Manipur would be the state in India that tops in experiencing some kinds of bandh or blockade. This time the bandh in and around National Highways started on 1st August The bandh was called by Sadar Hill District Demand Committee (SHDDC) in their demand for the upgradation of Sadar Hill area of Senapati District into a full-fledged district, which entails that present Senapati district be bifurcated into two. Six people have lost their lives in bandh related incident, and 12 women have began fast unto death, out of which 7 are reported to be critical condition. United Naga Council, the apex body of the Nagas in Manipur, oppose the move and therefore have called for indefinite bandh in the Naga areas from 21st August This implies that Imphal, the capital of Manipur, is virtually cut off from all kinds supplies.
SHDDC argues that the demand for upgradation is for better administration of the Sadar Hill area. UNC argues that Naga villages be excluded from the proposed district, implying that only non-Naga areas should be considered for upgradation. This tussle, for and against, has been going on for decades. And it is high time that Government finds a solution that is acceptable to both the parties, instead of postponing it for later generation as well to fight!
This post, however, is meant to be about how one should conduct bandh and blockade. This time the third major community of Manipur, the Meeteis, are ambivalent on the issue. But they seem to be the community that suffers the most because they live mostly in and around Imphal. However, considering that Meeteis are equally notorious in calling bandh or blockade, this post is meant for them too. If anyone would accuse me of seeing the problem through communal lens, let me assure that such is the ground reality. Whether one likes it or not the political aspiration in the state are drawn almost virtually on ethnic lines.
First, I would say 'economic blockade' is not an appropriate phrase. I thought so because I believe it is wrong to put a bandh/blockade on all kinds of economic activities. I believe food item should be given safe passage even in bandh/blockade. 'Food items' are basic needs for survival, and imposing bandh/blockade amount to assaulting on human right of a person or a community that suffers due to such bandh/blockade. Second, I also believe that ambulance should be given safe passage. Even in time of war, Red Cross is allowed to work per international norms. And this is not even war, so ambulance, medical supply etc should be allowed to pass through. Third, party on a funeral duty should be exempted from such bandh/blockade. Allowing such party would not affect the bandh/blockade overall because such party would generally be very rare. Moreover, on humanitarian ground such party should be given safe passage.Fourth any party calling for bandh should not cause major damage to roads, bridges or property, private and government. Fifth, this is a slightly different point in that it is about the norm to protest, not bandh/blockade. I believe 'fast unto death' as a political tool should be employed only in extreme situation. For example, I support the kind of 'fast unto death' by Irom Sharmila because her demand is against human violation by the army. However, the 'fast unto death' by the women demanding Sadar Hill district does not amount to human right issue, and so is not an extreme situation that deserves 'fast unto death' kind of protest.
I believe bandh/blockade are democratic means to press for one's demand or aspiration. So I am not against any party calling for bandh/blockade to press for their legitimate demand. But such activities must be carried out within certain norms. And unfortunately, in Manipur all the parties calling bandh/blockade oftentime violate one of these norms. And it is high time we rectify such erroneous methods for the sake of common good.
NB: Since the issue is highly explosive I would request that those who post their view do so in a civilized way. Thanks!
No comments:
Post a Comment