Manipuris in favour of popular movement against rebels

Running out of their patience with the rebel activities, Manipuris are pressing for a popular movement against the insurgents.

By Sanjay Kumar

Imphal, Oct 8 : Running out of their patience with the rebel activities, Manipuris are pressing for a popular movement against the insurgents.

Whether it is government officials, doctors, sportspersons, students, or businessmen, all have of late been raising their voices against the insurgent groups.

R M Koireng Boipu, a tribal students' leader, said: "All students organisations, NGOs and others should come forward and make the change."

Ibobi, a businessman, said: "Everyone here is planning to shift their businesses outside (the State)."

"If something is not done about insurgency right away, nobody will stay back in the State," Ibobi added.

Professor Bimla Devi, the head of the political science department in the Manipur University, said that the present state of affairs in Manipur depresses her, but she is optimistic that in course of time people's mobilisation will drive nefarious elements out.

Bimla Devi said: "This is a temporary phase. We should move forward and Manipur society should become free from anti-social elements."

Priyoranjan Singh, Associate Professor at the Manipur University, says that the open defiance and protests against the underground extortionists is a sign of strengthening of the democratic process.

Expressing their anger over the present insecure atmosphere, students of Manipur University feel that no major investments are taking place in the State because of insurgency jeopardising their chances of getting jobs at home.

K. Inaoba Singh, a student, said "Insurgency is disturbing the development process of Manipur - in rural as well as urban areas. We know the insurgents have lowered the development process."

After an interaction with Manipur students, it is clear that a majority are against insurgents and want a people's movement against them.

Almost all agree that Manipur is lagging behind because of insurgency.

ANI