By Somchandra Nahakpam
Are we all despicable and worthless (unwanted) human beings? Of course some of us are and you can’t deny it. Look at the way how a gang of people play with the lives of thousands of people just because they happen to be ‘elected’ by the people. With the coming of the general election lots of activities has already been started. All the nonsense bluffing has already been started with the inauguration spree-community halls, bridges, drains…It is as if waking up from a deep slumber and suddenly getting few eye-washing things done. Now somewhat one has a feeling that at least a Government is/was present after all these years. Also for many people it will be an opportunity to have free drinks daily while for others it will be good way to pass time. And again for many others it will be kind of trying their luck for themselves for a better future (contract works, lower level Government jobs etc) by working real hard for the aspiring candidates. I really wonder from where did these bunches of people got the impression that development only means erecting tall buildings, flyovers, putting some huge statues. They never bother about the indispensable requirements .See the condition of the roads in Imphal (wonder what would be those in far off places).It is insane and it only points to the fact that the Government and its machinery has failed as has always been.
How can roads be kept in a condition worse than paddy field for such a long period of time? For the past 3-4 years people living in Imphal have been experiencing artificial flooding every rainy season. The only blame will go to the monsoon which is utterly a dull excuse. It is as if we only experience monsoon season in the entire planet .Isn’t it possible that the roads are made to last for say 5 years by making best efforts. It will not only safe the cost but also the inconveniences related to it. But that is not likely to happen, why? Because that way few well connected people will not be able to fill their pockets and run a family. Many people will also lose their job as many depend on “Thikas”. Imagine travelling a short distance of only 2-3Kms in and around Imphal and taking more than 1 hour not because of heavy traffic but because of the horrible conditions of the roads. Above that you will get a bonus of dust and mud. The dust around the town has seriously affected the health of people albeit silently. But people have no choice and they need to be foolishly brave to face the hurdles.
Politicians doesn’t care until and unless there is some real purpose like their ‘bosses’ making a visit or passing by. All the hullaballoo regarding the visit of Prime Minister or for instance any other Union Minister is incredible. It is as if some God has descended from paradise. Of course for the power and wealth hungry people it might be for they got to impress them by any means. It is worth mentioning here that about a technique in which tourist buses operates for sight-seeing in and around Delhi for foreigners. These operators will only single out the routes or places which are ‘presentable’ to the foreign tourist. Similar with this, each and every important “Central” person visiting the State will be taken by a specific route. Days ahead of some important visitors making their descend the Government will be busy with activities and workers will put extra efforts, real hard, night and day. Even the Japanese won’t be able to compete. Buses, although meant for public but kept dormant, will be rolled out for the big fat circus.
This is where a section of people is contemplating whether there is really a need for using the voting rights when even basic facilities are not appropriately provided. By basic it only means-5-6 hours of power supply, decent roads (with less pot-holes).Forget about public transport, running water, security etc. For those people who regularly pay the electricity bills or water bills they never get the service they should be getting in return for their obedience. The fact is that people should be less bothered by the obstruction of the Highways. How can a Government which is not able to maintain few roads in Imphal properly be able to take responsibility of Highways? I sincerely doubt it. How long is it going to take to come out of this quagmire or are we ever going to come out of this? Are we so incompatible people that we are not able to produce a single leader with a good vision? What about those people who are not involved in elections for any personal gains or who don’t want free drinks/feast but only want the basic necessities as a citizen to be fulfilled.
And last but not the least; I am not that naïve that I will talk about other fundamental rights for it is out of my reach or imagination.
[box color=”blue”]Note: This article was sent to KanglaOnline by Somchandra Nahakpam (http://nahakpam.blogspot.com/)[/box]