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If there is one characteristic that sets the Manipuri society apart from the others, it is the presence of too many groups, whether they are student organizations, State level organizations, Meira Paibis,
Lups and yes even armed groups. And it goes without saying that these numerous bodies act as pressure groups, exerting their influence and sometimes diktats on everyone so much so that at most time, people have to live under a pressure cooker situation. Take the fact that the population of Manipur is only somewhere around the 24/25 lakhs mark and the presence of so numerous organizations defies logic.
True there are numerous communities inhabiting Manipur and it is only expected that the different communities will have their apex bodies working to protect and promote the interest and identity of their community, but this still does not explain why there should be so many groups claiming to represent the interest of all the people of Manipur. The presence of so many social organizations also means that there are numerous self appointed leaders and social workers not to speak of self appointed intellectuals.
This is truly mind boggling and one of the root causes for the all round confusion that we see all around is the presence of these numerous social organizations. In such a circumstance it is little wonder that there so many forces pulling the social fabric of Manipur apart, with each force claiming to represent the interest of the people. This situation also says something about the mentality of the Manipuri people, in that they are not able to look beyond their immediate noses and are not willing to play second fiddle or let some one else take charge and do what is needed.
We agree that in many ways, the social organizations have sprung up because the State has failed to deliver the goods. The all round chaos that we see today is a reflection of the total absence of the rule of law and the failure of the Government to govern. It is precisely because of this that today we see so many organizations espousing a cause or two and taking to the streets to protect, what they claim are public interests ! Invariably in such a situation, the casualty is the public, who are being forced to follow different diktats in a climate of utter confusion and when the public is reduced to a confused lot, we can safely say that the future does not look very bright at all.
Foisting an idea on the people, forcing an opinion or a train of thought down the gullets of the people is nothing but a sure recipe to rob the thinking faculty of the people and the continued exercise of such a program will only lead to the sprouting of a generation, which cannot think on its own but are somewhat programmed to think and do as told, without any questioning. The 21st century is all about the mental capability of a people or a Nation and the only way to cultivate and help human resources to grow is to encourage them to think independently without any outside influence.
Unfortunately with so many groups, each with their own set of agenda intent on forcing their opinion and idea on the people, the Manipuri people do not have much of a choice at the moment. The future indeed looks bleak. Too many cooks may simply spoil a meal, but too many pressure groups will surely spoil a whole generation. Think it over.
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