The other view on Narendra Modi’s visit to Imphal

The mantra of development is finally paving its way as an instrument to divert people’s mindset when it comes to the people of North East India and Jammu and Kashmir. The core issues of these two regions was never an issue to the Indian Government, whether it may be a BJP, Congress or Left front led government. Whether it may be former Union Home Secretary GK Pillai or former Finance Minister P Chindambaram both remained ignorant about the protest for repeal of Arm Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), when they were in power but called it as a draconian Act when they are no longer the authority.
There were lots of expectations when Prime Minister, Narendra Modi visit to Imphal was announced. Since Narendra Modi led NDA government came to power at the centre the state has been blessed with the National Sports University – the first of its kind in the country. Developmental perspectives were high and we do certainly know that this man will do something to change.
In his speech during the 9th Asia Summit held at Nay Pi Taw in Myanmar this November, Mr. Modi had said that in a world of Independence and globalization, there is no option but to follow international laws and norms. And in September, this year Mr. Modi had stated that he will scrap the outdated laws of the country while delivering speech to over 18,000 Indian American communities at Madison Square garden in New York City. The speech was telecast live across the globe.
These two speeches of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi have reason to be appreciated by the people of North East and also by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The enactment of International law in the region has been a long pending demand. Late Professor N Sanajaoba, has already urged the Indian government in the later part of 90s to set up International Criminal Court to deliver justice to the people of the region. On the issues of outdated laws everyone knows that there is no other law in the country which is more outdated than the Arm Forces Special Powers Act.
But what surprised the people of this region especially the people of Manipur is the missing of these two issues by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi while delivering speech as the chief guest at the closing function of the Sangai Tourism festival her at Imphal yesterday. Only fools will believe that Mr. Narendra Modi does not know about Irom Chanu Sharmila who is undergoing a fast-unto-death protest since the last 14 years demanding repeal of the outdated AFSPA. Do we still have to believe in Mr. Modi?