INDIA: Senior citizens condemn militancy in Manipur

. IMPHAL, Manipur (ANI), October 21, 2008: Whether it is an educational institute, a government office or a business firm, militants in Manipur have spared no one. The state has not been able to actualize its potential and march ahead on the path of development, as unending militancy keeps dragging it back. Senior citizens in the state want an early end to violence and the restoration of peace and normalcy. These people, who have completed more than half their life’’s journey and seen many ups and downs in their life, consider militant activities, as the biggest hurdle in the path of development of this Northeastern India state. They consider militancy a menace, which has unleashed unending violence. They also believe that the militants do not subscribe to any ideology and prey on the innocent people to fulfill their personal vested interests. “The happening in Manipur is really worrying as it is being done against our will. We are not able to say anything, as they don”t listen to us. What they are doing is not right. Yes, they say they are working for the civilians but are targeting civilians by killing and extorting money,” said E. Pishak Singh, a retired teacher in Manipur. “The militants are harassing the public which is very annoying,” said E. Lokendra Singh, retired Under Secretary, Manipur. There are about thirty-five small and big militant outfits active in Manipur and between them they have not spared anyone. Be it an educational institution, a hospital or a business outfit. Any right thinking citizen would be annoyed and agitated by the present state of affairs in Manipur. From time to time, there have been mass protests, rallies, peace marches and strikes against militancy, but they have been ignored by the ultras. There is no peace in the state. Hearing about the activities of the militants angers us a lot. If we scold them, they react differently. When we praise them they are happy. They are making us suffer a lot. Why don't they stop troubling us? said L. Tomchou Singh, retired ARCS, Manipur. Ibochouba Singh, retired Agriculture Officer, Manipur, said, ” I feel that they should come to the table for talks. There is no alternative except discussion and openness between the people and the militants. Only then we can solve it. Reports say the Central Government has given a go ahead to the Manipur Government to hold talks with various militant groups in the state. Some of the underground groups have responded but there are many who are not responding. People of the state are supporting the government’’s initiatives in tackling militancy but they want results. If the mood of the new generation has changed against militancy, the elders are also not lagging behind in calling these miscreants the real road blockers in the path of the state’s progress. ANI