Ethnic Conflict and Strife in Homeland -The Road Ahead !

Dr Ranbir Laishram

Amidst  the social unrest and violence of the ethnic strife in our homeland,
We all sail through an arduous journey to an uncertain future.
The road ahead is rough, unpredictable and full of hurdles.
While the world is sleeping at night and taking rest,
We are keeping a vigil over our farmlands, and having nightmares.
While the world is bustling with life, and thriving with technological advances,
Our homeland is in chaos with ethnic violence and going backwards towards the stone age.

Once there has been a beginning,
There has to be an end at some point of time in history.
The past is not in our hands, but we still have control over our future.
What we think and do today can change our future.
We all need to unite and prevent the situation from going out of control forever.
It is time now for the leaders of both ethnic groups to come forward to meet each other.
Coming together is a step towards dialogue;
Dialogue is a step towards negotiation;
Negotiation is a positive  step towards solution.
Mutually acceptable solution will lead to the end of conflict and strife.
However, if no one lends an ear to listen,
Can there be any dialogue ?
Tripartite talk can solve many issues, but, so far it is a far cry.

Every ethnic group is fighting a battle for its own survival and identity.
It is natural, but it should not be at the cost of our motherland.
Now the question is -
Who is responsible for the ongoing conflict and endless violence ?
Whose responsibility is it to put off the flame of conflict ?
Who can bring solution to the ongoing burning issues ?
If both sides continue to stick to their own demands, and no one mediates,
Can there be any solution ?

The future lies in –
What we think and do today individually and collectively.
What we make the leaders of the social organisations  think and do.
And what the masses make our political leaders feel, think and do to solve the ethnic crisis,
having duly considered the history and integrity of Manipur.
 
It is time now for all those -
Who are the sons and daughters of the soil;
Who think Ima Manipur is our Motherland;
Who have a sense of belongingness;
To unite and show solidarity to safeguard the territorial integrity of Manipur, and prevent its disintegration.