To move out or not to move out : A growing dilemma amongst Manipuri youths

Joyson Khumukcham
There is a growing thought amongst certain sections of young people in Manipur which is quite not often talked about in public spaces but has been thought of enough in the minds of many – “I don’t want to stay here anymore.” I have heard my colleagues and other young people expressing their disappointments over the general state of political atmosphere and everyday social affairs. In fact, two kinds of young people are found having two different opinions – one, being ready to move out and reside somewhere else provided that they have the favorable conditions of moving out, and another, who choose to stay with the hope that there are certain changes in the prospects and conditions of their surroundings. When asked why they feel disappointed or dissatisfied, they come up with numerous reasons.
Yes, I Want to Move Out
In the first category of young people, what is common in the response that they have thought of moving out from their current places of residence at some point of time. They talked about “lack of academic atmosphere, opportunities, political and social instability, ineffective governance and law & order, poor infrastructure, etc.” They are also dissatisfied with the news and acts of corruption, irregularities, and lack of co-operation in various institutes, agencies, and organizations. Some feel like there is a lack of empathy and even basic sense of civic responsibility among people.
The frequency of violence, crime, and instability, has affected their mental and physical activities. Many young people who are interested in building academic careers feel like there is a lack of motivating environment. Even after gaining a degree, they feel like there is limited opportunity and accessibility to the job market through which they can utilize their expertise or years of study. Competition for entry into public sector jobs remain quite high given the swarming number of job aspirants for a handful of seats.
In such a scenario, young people want to move out in search of “better environment and opportunities” as well as “to gain more exposure and experience”. When asked to name some particular countries or places which they wish to move to or see their current places being transformed alike, they talked most commonly about European countries–particularly Scandinavian or Nordic countries, Germany, and other places such as Australia, Japan, Singapore, Canada, Bengaluru, etc. They believe such places “are peaceful, inclusive, responsive; have high prospects of jobs and livelihood, high HDI, high civic sense and discipline; and ensure better public facilities and good governance”.
No, I Prefer Being Here
The other group of youth is those who choose to stay in their hometown despite experiencing the above situations and problems more or less similarly. They do acknowledge that their society and governance are still not in a desirable state, yet they hope to see certain changes around them in a good way. They admit that they belong to their birthplace/hometown and that they do not want to move far away from their family members. They find their place (talking mostly about Manipur) ‘comfortable, beautiful, and temperate’ to live in. Most of them do wish to travel around the world if financial conditions allow but never think of residing in another place for good.
Although these youths are grateful of their culture and community life in general, they question the everyday problems and difficulties they encounter – from bad road conditions & traffic problems, mismanaged streets and dirty garbage sites to incidents of various crimes and hate speeches, slow development and poor infrastructure. They feel like their society and the Government (not any particular party in power) could have done better in fixing accountability as well as in delivering public service. They also feel like they do not have that much liberty and opportunity to grow, learn, and live peacefully. Yet they remain somewhat optimistic that with concerted efforts, the place can be made better, and they are willing to be a part of that change.
The Root of the Dilemma
So, what is worth discussing here is how the choices of either moving out from or staying reflect the underlying political, social, and economic conditions of that place, and the larger system or the subtle schemes that influence in enabling the place to be as it is. Aside from political dissatisfactions, mention could also be made of certain social regulations and cultural norms which sometimes restrict young people from doing what is not considered ‘normal’ or what seems ‘unacceptable’ or ‘alien’ to the society. Many conform to the societal rules quite well and does not find any problem, while some others struggle in between their personal preferences and social scrutiny.
Moreover, in a world that revolves around economic transactions and physical well-being, it becomes quite natural to compel certain sections of young people to choose their personal lives and move out in search of better conditions than to adjust in limited comfort. Moving out in search of better things is after all, a basic human nature just like nomads or migrants do. The only difference is that the things we pursue today and the factors that drive such pursuit have changed. Being in an era of globalization, internet, and social media has also exposed them to better and worst conditions of human lives and societies. What holds them is either the familial attachment or financial constraints, or both in some cases. Choosing between moving out for their own good or staying in around therefore becomes a dilemma for young people given their desire to learn, enjoy, and build a good future for their lives in their prime time.
The Frustrations of Young People
In Manipur, politics generally spins around identity, autonomy, land, and development while the common people struggle for basic amenities and for their own economic survival. The fallouts of such politics, as we see today, are poverty, violence, instability, communalism, crime, and human rights violation. Amidst these, what should young people hope for in their lives is a serious question that needs to be answered. To have confidence in young people as shapers of the future, but to not provide a healthy environment for them is unfortunate. It is at such vicious cycle of young people having to deal with the mess often created by systemic failures that they start taking things into their own hands.
The recent youth protests and demonstrations that took place in Nepal, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, or the student movements in South Korea in the 1980s which shook the political regimes in such countries are clear examples of youth outbursts over their unattended voices, discontent, and common aspirations. Even in Manipur’s valley, the Chaklam Khongchat of 1965, the Great June Uprising of 2001, the ILP Protests in 2015 are some amongst many of the students’ movements and youth demonstrations compelled by different circumstances. Although each of them was for some particular cause, the concern of young people could be seen in such collective outbursts from time to time.
So, What Do Young People Want?
Back in the minds of many youths today is the uncertainty of their career and lives amidst recurrent bandhs, blockades, curfews, and internet suspensions in times of conflict.  There is a tendency of gradual loss of confidence and rise of discontent in the Government and its related institutions when people’s voices and demands remain unheard and unattended. The aspirations of young people are quite simple – freedom, fair opportunity, and security to learn, live, and work. They hope for a solution to the current unresolved situation in Manipur and its fallouts, improvement in the poor conditions of streets and roads, as well as better facilities of healthcare, education, and employment. For a country that is proud of its young population and its potential, it is high time their aspirations and voices are taken serious note of.
(The writer is a PhD candidate in the Dept of Political Science, MU and can be reached through jkluwangcha00@gmail.com)