The Indian Express (Delhi Edition)
‘Our vote doesn’t matter’: Resentment among Manipur residents in city
“Whatwillwegainfromvoting when nothing has been done for us?”thesentimentwasvoicedby several Manipur residents in Delhi,whofledtheethnicviolence last year, as the first phase of the Loksabhaelectionwasheldinthe Northeast state Friday.
In the background, among those of the Kuki-zo community, there is talk of the Centre and State having done little about the conflict nearly a year since, discussions of a poll boycott among sections of the Kuki community back home, and persistent uncertainty over whether those in the national capital will be able to return home.
A former resident of Imphal, in his late 30s, who now lives in
Delhi and didn’t want to be named, said, “We are originally from the hill area, but settled in Imphal. We fled on May 4. As an Indian citizen, not being able to vote — and not by choice — is very sad. This time, even if we wanted to vote, it’s just not possible... because of both the travel expenses involved and the law and order situation.”
“People are divided on whether to abstain from voting or vote for a particular candidate to ensure a change in party... We just don’t know anything anymore. It’s been close to a year, and people are frustrated, of course. I don’t have any hope of being able to return home... the divide has been allowed to remain for so long that it has become some sort of new normal. In discussions among friends, there is a complete loss of faith in the system.
Some are saying ‘what does it matter? No matter who comes to power, for us it will be the same.’ But I personally hope this election will bring change,” he said.
Hewasworkinginimphal,but has been out of a job for a while, and is looking for one in Delhi.
Among the residents are also a few first-time voters, like a 20year-old Manipur University student. He moved to Delhi last May with his family, a few days after violence broke out on May 3.
Saying that he would have voted for the first time had he been back home in Imphal, the student said: “The government hasn’t done anything... and we can’t vote. We have been hearing mixed things about the election, there are young people there who are talking about boycotting it, since the Central government doesn’t recognise our plight.
Right now, for people who are here, it will be difficult to return home,” said the first-year BA student from the Kuki community.
He landed a corporate gig after moving to Delhi but hopes to complete his education. “... It has been quite hard to adjust to a new environment, but what can we say... it’s about survival. Seven of us moved to Delhi since my aunt lives here... we didn’t have anywhere else to go after we spent four days in a relief camp,” he said.
Tara Manchin Hangzo, 58, a former member of the State Commission for Scheduled Tribes, who is from Imphal, also moved to Delhi last May. “It has been nearly a year since we were chased out of our house... We live here in rented accommodation... My 87-year-old mother and sister are with me...”
On her thoughts about the election, she said, “What will we gain from voting when nothing has been done for us? People were killed, and no justice has been served. Many people are unable to vote and our vote doesn’t seem to matter. We need assurance that there will be peace, and we will get our homes and livelihoods back. The Centre and the State have not responded to the crisis. We seem to be minor, miniscule people among billions in the country.”
A 28-year-old PHD student at Delhi University, from the Kangpokpi district, said: “I was registered as a voter back in Manipur. We’ve been talking about the elections, how the current ruling party has not done anything about the conflict...”
“The last time I was able to go home was in February last year before all this began. I was reluctant to ask my family for financial support, so I ended up working for a few months while studying,” he added.
A 57-year-old from Imphal, who moved to Delhi in May last year and did not want to be named, pondered the futility of voting. “Even if I were there, I don’t know who I would have voted for. Everybody is confused...”
She came to the Capital with about 20 relatives and stayed with a cousin in the city for two months, before moving to rented accommodation. “Delhi is for youngsters... it’s difficult to find jobs at our age. But friends and well-wishers chip in. I try to continue with little things... I cook, bake, make soaps, and keep myself busy,” said the woman.
She added, “Even if the government makes a policy for us to return, will we be able to live there with all those memories? We can’t look back, can’t go back, it’s all a big question mark.”