A Comprehensive Approach to Restore Peace and Stability In Manipur In 2025

 A Complex and Escalating Crisis

Manipur exemplifies the challenges of managing an internal security problem. The state faces a volatile mix of ethnic conflicts, tribal insurgency, drug trafficking, and infiltration from Myanmar. Despite India's proven expertise in addressing internal security issues—such as countering terrorism in Punjab, containing insurgency in the Northeast, and curbing Maoist rebellion—Manipur's situation has deteriorated alarmingly.

The Current Approach: A Flawed Strategy

The Government of India has primarily treated Manipur's crisis as a law-and-order issue. The recent deployment of 90 additional Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies, alongside the imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in select areas, has resulted in a saturation of security forces in the state. Despite these measures, the absence of political initiatives and confidence-building measures has allowed the crisis to deepen.

The Roots of the Conflict

The ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, between the Meiteis (majority in the Imphal Valley) and the Kuki-Zo tribals (residing in the surrounding hills) has led to significant loss of life and displacement.

• Casualties and Displacement: 258 deaths and over 60,000 displaced.
• Destruction of Religious Structures: 386 religious sites vandalized.
• Recent Escalation: Violent encounters, such as the killing of 10 militants on November 11, have reignited tensions. Subsequent protests and political fallout highlight the state government's inability to restore normalcy.

Lessons Ignored: The Need for a Holistic Approach

Effective management of tribal unrest requires more than forceful suppression. While controlling violence is essential, it must be accompanied by:

• Addressing grievances and reconciling differences.
• Forming peace committees at multiple levels.
• Taking political initiatives to inspire public confidence.
  The "Winning Hearts and Minds" (WHAM) approach, proven effective in counter-insurgency, has been underutilized.

Recommendations for Immediate Action

The situation demands decisive and multi-faceted interventions:

1. Prime Ministerial Visit: The Prime Minister should visit Manipur to signal commitment and initiate dialogue.
2. Imposition of President’s Rule: A dynamic governor with counter-insurgency experience should be appointed to lead the state.
3. Administrative Overhaul: Ineffective senior officers should be replaced with those willing to tackle the crisis fearlessly.
4. Uncompromising Integrity: A clear message should be conveyed that the integrity of Manipur is non-negotiable.
5. Targeted Actions Against Miscreants:
   • Crackdown on individuals inciting or engaging in violence.
   • Address attempts to communalize the conflict and vandalism of religious sites.
   • Tackle drug trafficking with zero tolerance.
6. Disarmament Drive: A time-bound initiative to recover unlicensed and prohibited weapons, with violators facing strict penalties under the National Security Act.
7. Formation of Peace Committees: Establish district and state-level peace committees with representation from all communities to foster dialogue and reconciliation.

Conclusion: A Chance to Rebuild

While the Centre has lost precious time, it can still recover lost ground. Drawing inspiration from Chanakya’s wisdom—“We should not fret over the past, nor should we be anxious about the future. Men of discernment deal only with the present moment”—the Government of India must act decisively. Restoring peace in Manipur will be a challenging journey, but with sustained effort, it is achievable

Escalating Violence in Manipur: A way ahead

 

In Manipur, a state in northeastern India, a surge of violence has recently compelled the government to deploy additional security forces. Around 2,500 officers have been sent to restore order, but the situation remains highly complex, with authorities facing significant challenges in their efforts to stabilize the region.

Ethnic Divisions Fueling Unrest

Manipur has been grappling with severe unrest for over a year and a half, leading to deep ethnic divisions between communities in the Imphal Valley and the Manipur Hills. These tensions have polarized the state, making conflict resolution increasingly difficult. The central security forces, dispatched to serve as peacekeepers, are encountering significant obstacles due to two critical issues:

1. Distrust of the Local Police
   The Manipur Police is expected to collaborate with central forces to maintain law and order. However, there is a widespread perception among the Hill communities that the police are biased in favor of the Valley residents. This lack of trust undermines the effectiveness of the central forces, who are caught in the middle of these suspicions.

2. Challenges from a Fragile Peace Agreement
   In 2008, the central government signed a peace agreement with several militant groups operating in the Hills, which helped reduce violence at that time. However, maintaining this delicate balance has become challenging as new conflicts arise. The security forces are hesitant to jeopardize the agreement, which could reignite old hostilities, but they also need to address the current wave of violence. Navigating this fine line is proving to be extremely difficult.

Emergence of Village Defense Volunteers

In response to the escalating violence, both ethnic groups have formed self-defense units known as village defense volunteers. These groups claim to protect their respective communities, but their activities have led to further clashes. The situation is complicated by conflicting narratives; for instance, the police have labeled some of these volunteers as “militants,” while their supporters argue that they are merely defending their homes and families.

The Urgent Need for a New Strategy

Restoring peace in Manipur will likely require substantial changes in governance and conflict resolution strategies. The current approach of deploying central forces has proven insufficient amidst widespread distrust and complex local dynamics. The government must act swiftly and decisively to address the root causes of the unrest and prevent further bloodshed. Building trust between communities and security forces, along with reassessing past agreements, may be crucial steps toward long-term stability in the region

Central Forces Facing a Tough Challenge in Manipur

 The Government of India (GOI) is grappling with a renewed surge of violence in Manipur, prompting the deployment of an additional 2,500 central paramilitary personnel to the state. In a parallel move, the government has reimposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six police station areas within Manipur. The latest unrest is primarily focused on the Jiribam district. However, the deep-rooted ethnic divide between the Imphal Valley and Manipur Hills places central forces in an almost untenable position.

Escalating Ethnic Tensions: A State Divided

The ongoing conflict, which has persisted for 19 months, has effectively split Manipur along ethnic lines, resulting in massive displacement among both communities. Central forces are tasked with acting as a buffer and controlling the activities of miscreants. However, their mission is significantly hampered by two key challenges:

1. Lack of Unified Support from Manipur Police: Ideally, Manipur Police should operate under a unified command structure to support the central forces. Unfortunately, one faction views the police as biased, which complicates the central forces' operations in the state.

2. Fragile Peace with Militant Groups: In 2008, the GOI signed a Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement with 25 militant groups, primarily from the Hill regions. Maintaining the integrity of this agreement is crucial to sustaining the progress made against insurgency in the Northeast. As a result, central forces must tread carefully to avoid any actions that could jeopardize the SoO and further deteriorate the situation.

Complications from Village Defence Volunteers

Adding to the complexity is the emergence of village defence volunteers on both sides of the conflict. These groups are self-organized and have taken up arms, complicating the security landscape.

• The Manipur Police often labels these volunteers from the Hills as 'militants,' while Hill groups consider the Valley volunteers — including the armed Arambai Tenggol — as militias.
• For instance, during the recent violence in Jiribam, Manipur Police reported that 10 'militants' were killed. In contrast, Hill groups claimed that these individuals were volunteers who were responding to reports that Arambai Tenggol members had taken refuge in a local police station.

The Need for Decisive Action: GOI’s Role in Restoring Order

Given the current scenario, central forces are unable to effectively restore law and order as long as the Manipur Police continues its current approach. The Indian Army has also dismissed several allegations from Manipur Police, including accusations of drone usage by Hill groups. Simply handing over the unified command to the Manipur Chief Minister is not a viable solution.

The Government of India needs to take decisive measures to address this situation. Just as Parliament was able to amend the operational framework of the Delhi government, similar legislative actions can be considered to restore stability in Manipur. It is within the GOI’s power to restructure Manipur’s security apparatus to achieve lasting peace and order in the state.

SECURITY PLAN FOR MANIPUR DURING PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

 Ensuring security in Manipur ahead of the parliamentary elections is of paramount importance given the historical backdrop of violence, particularly between the valley-based Maitai and hill-based Kukis over the past year. While there has been a noticeable decline in the intensity of violence in recent months, sporadic incidents persist, necessitating a comprehensive security strategy to safeguard the electoral process.

Anticipating the forthcoming elections, it is imperative to assess potential threats to the integrity of the electoral process and anticipate the types of violence that may occur during campaigning. This requires a thorough analysis of historical patterns, existing tensions, and potential provocations.

Protecting candidates from various political parties during their campaigning activities is crucial. This can be achieved through a combination of measures including providing adequate security details, implementing strict guidelines for public events, and maintaining close coordination with local law enforcement agencies.

Ensuring the security of election booths is vital both before and during the polling process. This involves deploying sufficient security personnel to deter any attempts of tampering or intimidation, conducting thorough security sweeps prior to polling day, and employing stringent access control measures at polling stations.

To safeguard the interests of common voters during and after elections, it is essential to maintain a visible security presence at polling stations and implement measures to prevent voter coercion or intimidation. Additionally, post-election security measures should be in place to address any potential grievances or disputes that may arise.

Preventing losing candidates from resorting to violence due to defeat requires proactive measures such as engaging political stakeholders in dialogue, providing avenues for dispute resolution, and swiftly addressing any allegations of electoral malpractice through legal channels.

The role of various insurgent groups during the elections must be closely monitored and addressed through a combination of intelligence gathering, targeted operations against militant elements, and community engagement initiatives aimed at countering extremist narratives.

 

In summary, a detailed plan for ensuring security before, during, and after elections in Manipur should include:-

·        Comprehensive threat assessment and risk analysis.

·        Security Forces Available .

·        Additional forces required.

·        Timeline for deployment of additional forces.

·        Deployment of adequate security personnel to protect candidates and polling stations.

·        Implementation of strict security protocols for campaigning activities and polling stations.

·        Engagement with political stakeholders to prevent post-election violence.

·        Monitoring and addressing the activities of insurgent groups through intelligence gathering and targeted operations.

·        Continuous vigilance and rapid response to any security incidents or breaches.

·        Coordination and collaboration between security forces, election officials, and community leaders to ensure a peaceful and transparent electoral process.22

Ensuring security during elections in Manipur, given its history of violence and various insurgent groups, requires a comprehensive approach involving various stakeholders including law enforcement agencies, election officials, political parties, and civil society. Here's a detailed plan for ensuring security before, during, and after elections:

Before Elections:

Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities. This includes analyzing the activities and capabilities of insurgent groups, monitoring communal tensions, and assessing the security situation in different regions of Manipur,including violence from insurgent groups, inter-community conflicts, and political rivalries area wise.

Utilize intelligence agencies to gather real-time information on potential troublemakers and their plans.

Coordination and Cooperation: Foster cooperation and coordination among law enforcement agencies, intelligence agencies, and election officials. Establish communication channels for sharing timely intelligence and information.

Security Measures for Candidates: Provide security to candidates of various political parties, especially those who are at high risk of violence or threats. This may involve providing personal security details, securing their residences, and conducting regular threat assessments.

Security of Election Booths:

Booths can be classified as sensitive ,extra sensitive.

 Ensure the security of election booths by deploying adequate security personnel, including police and paramilitary forces. Conduct regular patrols and surveillance in sensitive areas. Install CCTV cameras and other monitoring equipment to deter and detect any suspicious activities.

Voter Education: Conduct voter education campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of peaceful elections and discourage participation in violence or intimidation tactics.

During Elections:

Election Booth Security:

•        Deploy adequate security personnel at polling stations before, during, and after elections to prevent any disruptions.

•        Use CCTV cameras and other surveillance equipment to monitor polling stations and detect any suspicious activities.

•        Conduct thorough security sweeps of polling stations before the commencement of voting to ensure no weapons or explosives are present.

Security of Common Voters:

•        Educate voters about safety protocols and encourage them to report any instances of intimidation or violence.

•        Establish helplines or hotlines for voters to report security concerns or incidents.

•        Ensure the presence of law enforcement personnel near polling stations to provide assistance and maintain order.

Deployment of Security Forces: Deploy sufficient security forces at polling stations to deter any attempts of violence or intimidation. Ensure that polling stations are adequately staffed with election officials and security personnel.

Mobile Patrols and Quick Response Teams: Establish mobile patrols and quick response teams to respond swiftly to any incidents of violence or unrest. These teams should be equipped to handle various scenarios, including crowd control and evacuation if necessary.

Monitoring of Insurgent Groups: Keep a close watch on the activities of insurgent groups and take preemptive action to disrupt any attempts to disrupt the electoral process. This may involve targeted operations based on actionable intelligence.

Ensuring Fairness and Transparency: Ensure that the election process is conducted in a fair and transparent manner, free from any coercion or undue influence. Monitor the conduct of political parties and candidates to prevent any violations of electoral laws.

Sealing of International Border.

This is to stop flow of insurgents arms, ammunition and explosive

After Elections and During Counting Stage:

Security during Vote Counting: Provide security during the vote counting process to prevent any attempts of tampering or manipulation. Ensure that election officials are protected and that the process is conducted in a secure environment.

Maintaining Law and Order: Maintain law and order in the post-election period to prevent any incidents of violence or unrest. This may involve heightened security measures in sensitive areas and monitoring of potential hotspots.

Addressing Grievances: Establish mechanisms for addressing grievances and complaints related to the election process. This includes addressing allegations of electoral fraud or misconduct through legal channels.

Reintegration and Rehabilitation: Offer opportunities for reintegration and rehabilitation to former insurgents who may wish to participate in the democratic process. This can help in reducing the influence of insurgent groups and promoting long-term peace and stability in Manipur.

In conclusion, ensuring security during elections in Manipur requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the underlying causes of violence while also implementing practical measures to safeguard the electoral process and protect the rights of voters and candidates. Collaboration and cooperation among various stakeholders are essential for success in this endeavor.

By implementing these measures comprehensively and proactively, the security apparatus can mitigate the risks associated with the elections in Manipur and ensure a peaceful and fair electoral process. However, it's essential to adapt these strategies based on real-time intelligence and evolving security dynamics in the region.

 

Manipur students studying in Solapur part 2मणीपुरच्या विद्यार्थ्यांनी स्वा सावरकर यांची "जयोस्तुते व सागरा प्राण तळमळला ही दोन्ही गाणी स॓गितावर म्हटली फारच सुंदर!

What are some effective ways to engage with social media users, communities, and influential voices to gather more insights and foster a constructive dialogue on Manipur violence?

Engaging with social media users, communities, and influential voices requires a thoughtful and proactive approach. Here are some effective ways to foster constructive dialogue and gather insights:

Active Listening: Actively monitor social media platforms to identify conversations, posts, and comments related to the Manipur crisis. Pay attention to the concerns, grievances, and suggestions shared by users. Demonstrate genuine interest by acknowledging their viewpoints and showing empathy.

Prompt Response: Respond promptly and respectfully to queries, comments, and messages from social media users. Address their concerns, provide accurate information, and offer support or guidance where appropriate. A timely response demonstrates your commitment to engaging with the community and building trust.

Open-ended Questions: Ask open-ended questions to encourage social media users to share their perspectives and experiences. For example, you can ask about their concerns, suggestions for resolving the crisis, or their vision for a peaceful resolution. Such questions invite thoughtful responses and help gather diverse insights.

Polls and Surveys: Conduct polls or surveys on social media to gauge public opinion and gather quantitative data. These can be used to ask specific questions related to the Manipur crisis, such as opinions on the ongoing operations, desired outcomes, or preferred approaches for resolving the crisis. Share the results transparently to encourage further discussion.

Hashtag Campaigns: Create and promote specific hashtags related to the Manipur crisis to encourage user-generated content and discussion around key topics. Encourage social media users to share their experiences, perspectives, and potential solutions using the designated hashtags. This can help amplify voices and gather a wide range of opinions.

Influencer Outreach: Identify influential voices, opinion leaders, and experts who have a significant following and engage with them directly. Reach out to them through private messages or by tagging them in relevant posts to seek their insights and perspectives. Their endorsement or participation can help increase the visibility and impact of your engagement efforts.

Online Town Halls or Q&A Sessions: Organize virtual town hall meetings or Q&A sessions on platforms like Facebook Live, Twitter Spaces, or Instagram Live. Invite community leaders, experts, and representatives from different stakeholders to participate and answer questions from the public. This format allows for real-time interaction and fosters a sense of inclusivity.

Community Forums and Groups: Identify and join existing social media groups, forums, or communities that focus on the Manipur crisis. Actively participate by sharing information, responding to queries, and facilitating discussions. Engage respectfully with community members, acknowledge their concerns, and contribute constructively to the ongoing dialogue.

User-generated Content: Encourage social media users to share their stories, artwork, or personal experiences related to the Manipur crisis. This can include testimonials, photographs, videos, or written narratives. Highlight and amplify this user-generated content to showcase diverse perspectives and foster empathy among different communities.

Offline Engagement: While social media is a powerful tool, consider complementing online engagement with offline initiatives. Organize public consultations, community meetings, or workshops in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland to connect directly with the affected communities. This allows for deeper conversations, relationship-building, and a better understanding of local dynamics.

Remember to approach engagement with sensitivity, respect, and a willingness to learn. Actively involve the community in the decision-making process and communicate transparently about the outcomes of the engagement efforts. Building trust and fostering constructive dialogue takes time, consistency, and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact.

मैतेई दहशतवादी संघटनांवर पाच वर्षांसाठी बंदी- मणिपूर मध्ये शांतता निर्माण करण्याकरता एक महत्त्वाचे पाऊल

युनायटेड नॅशनल लिबरेशन फ्रंटची शांतता करारावर स्वाक्षरी

मणिपूर खोऱ्यामधील सर्वात जुना बंडखोर सशस्त्र गट असलेल्या युनायटेड नॅशनल लिबरेशन फ्रंटने (युएनएलएफ) बुधवारी(28 नोव्हेंबरला) दिल्लीत शांतता करारावर स्वाक्षरी केली.या गटाने हिंसाचार सोडून मुख्य प्रवाहात सामील होण्याचे मान्य केले आहे. केंद्र सरकारने या गटावर पाच वर्षांची बंदी घातल्या नंतर युएनएलएफने हा निर्णय घेतला आहे.

‘युएनएलएफ’ने मुख्य प्रवाहात सामील होणे ही ऐतिहासिक घटना आहे कार ण हा एक हिंसक बंडखोर गट होता . सर्वसमावेश विकासाचे स्वप्न साकार करणे आणि ईशान्य भारतातील तरुणांना चांगले भविष्य प्रदान करण्याच्या ध्येयासाठी ही घटना महत्त्वाची आहे.

केंद्र सरकार सोबतच्या करारामुळे अर्ध्या शतकाहून अधिक काळ सुरू असलेल्या संघर्षाचा आता अंत होणार आहे. युएनएलएफ मुख्य प्रवाहात आल्या मुळे मणिपूरमधील अन्य सशस्त्र गटांना देखील शांतता प्रक्रियेत सहभागी होण्यासाठी प्रोत्साहन मिळेल. या वेळी कराराच्या अंमलबजावणीवर देखरेख ठेवण्यासाठी शांतता देखरेख समिती स्थापन केली गेली आहे.

भारत सरकारने दहशतवाद संपवण्यासाठी २०१४ पासून ईशान्य भारतातील भागातील अनेक सशस्त्र गटांशी करार करून त्यांना विकासाच्या मुख्य प्रवाहात आणण्यास प्रारंभ केला आहे. त्या अंतर्गत मणिपुरी खोर्या मधिल सशस्त्र गटाने पहिल्यांदाच हिंसाचार सोडून मुख्य प्रवाहात परतण्याचे मान्य केले आहे.

मणिपूर AFSPA आणखी सहा महिने लागू

मणिपूर AFSPA (अशांत क्षेत्रात लष्कराचे विशेष अधिकार)आणखी सहा महिने लागू राहील. सरकारने दि . ३० सप्टेंबर रोजी ते हटवण्याची घोषणा केली होती, परंतु सध्याची परिस्थिती लक्षात घेऊन आता निर्णय बदलण्यात आला आहे. १९ पोलीस ठाण्यांचा परिसर वगळता संपूर्ण राज्य हा असुरक्षित क्षेत्र म्हणून घोषित करण्यात आला आहे.

नऊ मैतेई दहशतवादी संघटनांवर पाच वर्षांसाठी बंदी

मणिपूरमध्ये सुरू असलेल्या  हिंसाचाराच्या घटनांच्या पार्श्वभूमीवर केंद्र सरकारने 14 नोव्हेंबरला नऊ मैतेई दहशतवादी संघटनांवर पाच वर्षांसाठी बंदी घातली आहे. बंदी घातलेल्या संघटना मणिपूरमध्ये कार्यरत असून, त्या मध्ये ’पीपल्स लिबरेशन आर्मी ’ आणि त्यांचा राजकीय विभाग, ‘रिव्हॉल्यूशनरी पीपल्स फ्रंट’, ‘द युनायटेड नॅशनल लिबरेशन फ्रंट’ आणि त्यांचा सशस्त्र विभाग, ‘मणिपूर पीपल्स आर्मी’, ‘पीपल्स रेव्हल्युशनरी पार्टी ऑफ कांगलैपाक’ आणि त्यांचा सशस्त्र विभाग, ‘कांगली यावोल कन्नालुप’, ‘कोऑर्डिनेश कमिटी ’ आणि ‘अलायन्स फॉर सोशालिस्ट युनिटी कांगलीपक’ यांचा समावेश आहे.

भारताचे सार्वभौमत्व तसेच अखंडतेला धोका निर्माण करणार्‍या, या संघटना असल्याचे केंद्र सरकारने म्हटले आहे. या संघटना मणिपूरमधील सुरक्षा दले, पोलीस तसेच नागरिक यांच्यावर हल्ले करत असून, त्यामुळे कायदा व सुव्यवस्थेला धोका निर्माण झाला आहे. त्याचवेळी मणिपूरला देशापासून तोडण्याचे षड्यंत्रही त्यांनी आखले आहे. गृहमंत्रालयाने या संदर्भात एक अधिसूचना जारी केली आहे. सशस्त्र संघर्षा द्वारे भारतापासून मणिपूर वेगळे करण्याच्या उद्देशाने स्थानिक जनतेला भडकवण्याचे काम या संघटनांच्या माध्यमातून करण्यात येत आहे. संघटनांसाठी पैसे गोळा करण्यासाठी जनतेला धमकावणे, त्यांच्याकडून खंडणी उकळणे, लूटमार करणे, विदेशातून निधी स्वीकारणे, शेजारील देशांमध्ये छावण्या उभारणे, शस्त्रास्त्रे तसेच दारुगोळा खरेदी करणे आदी देशद्रो ही कामे अशा संघटनांच्या मार्फत केली जात असल्याचे निदर्शनाला आल्यानेच, या संघटनांवर कारवाई करण्यात आली आहे. संघटनांवर नियंत्रण नसेल, तर त्याचा फायदा घेत दहशतवादी देशद्रोही कारवाया करण्यासाठी अशा संघटनांचा वापर करतील. देशविरोधी कारवायांचा प्रचार करणे; तसेच हिंसक कारवाया घडवून आणणे या साठी त्यांचा वापर केला जाईल, म्हणूनच ही कारवाई करण्यात आली आहे.

३ मे पासून मणिपूर येथे मैतेई तसेच कुकी समुदायांमध्ये वांशिक हिंसाचार उफाळला . फुटीरतावादी,विध्वंसक, दहशतवादी तसेच हिंसक कारवायांना आळा घालण्यासाठी ही बंदी आवश्यक आहे. देशाचे सार्वभौमत्व तसेच अखंडतेला धोका पोहोचवणार्‍या अतिरेकी संघटनांवर बंदी घालण्याचे सरकारचे धोरण आहे.

मात्र मैतेई समाजाने या बंदीचा निषेध केला असून, ती अन्याय कारक तसेच भेदभाव करणारी असल्याचा आरोप केला आहे.कारण मैतेई आणि कुकी यांच्यामध्ये चालू असलेल्या हिंसक संघर्षामध्ये मैतेई जनता मैतेई बंडखोर गटांना आपले रक्षक मानते.मात्र या संस्था नक्कीच मैतेईचे रक्षक नाही आणि देशांचे शत्रू आहेत. निष्पाप नागरक तसेच मालमत्तेचे रक्षण करण्यासाठी व हिंसक कारवायां मध्ये या संघटना सहभागी असल्यानेच बंदी घालण्यात आली आहे.तसेच अशा प्रकारच्या कारवाया अन्य कोणत्याही संघटना करत असतील, तर त्यांच्या विरोधातही याच पद्धतीने कारवाई होईल. 

 

हिंसाचार थांबवायचा असेल तर Manipur Violence Manipur Violence Expl 1...

भारताच्या 75 वा स्वातंत्र्य दिनी स्वतःला विचारा, मी या देशासाठी काय करतो?

कुठलाही देश महाशक्ती बनण्यामध्ये, देशाच्या सामान्य नागरिकांचा वाटा अत्यंत महत्त्वाचा असतो .महाशक्ती असलेल्या देशांचे नागरिक कायदे पाळतात, नियम पाळतात,त्यांचे देशावरती प्रेम असते आणि हे प्रेम ते कृतिशील जबाबदार नागरिक, बनून व्यक्त करतात. देशापासून काही मागण्यापेक्षा, मी देशाकरता काय करू शकतो, यावर त्यांचा जास्त विचार असतो. असे असेल तर भारतीय देशाप्रती आपल्या जबाबदाऱ्या पूर्ण पणे निभावत आहे का? तर उत्तर नाही ,असे  आहे.

जबाबदार नागरिक बना

अभिव्यक्ती स्वातंत्र्याच्या नावाखाली मी काहीही लिहू शकतो, बोलू शकतो, भडकावु पोस्ट सोशल मीडिया वरती टाकू शकतो ,त्यामुळे हिंसाचार झाला तरी पर्वा नाही.भारतीय घटनेने प्रत्येक भारतीयाला जसे अधिकार दिले आहेत, तशीच काही कर्तव्ये सुद्धा दिली आहेत. बर्याच वेळेला या कर्तव्यांकडे अनेक  दुर्लक्ष करतात.

 सार्वजनिक मालमत्ता ही आपली आहे, तिची जपणूक करणे ही सुद्धा आपलीच जबाबदारी आहे, याचा बहुतेकांना  विसर पडतो. सार्वजनिक जागा स्वच्छ ठेवणं , जागा मिळेल तिथं मलमूत्र विसर्जन न करणं ,सार्वजनिक अस्वच्छता हा नवीन विषय नाही. कार मधून रस्त्यावर प्लास्टीक आणि शीतपेयांच्या बाटल्या भिरकावल्या जातात,  किनाऱ्यावर दारूच्या फुटलेल्या बाटल्यांचा खच असतो, हे आपल्यातलेच काही सुशिक्षित लोक करतात .परिसर स्वच्छ ठेवणे ही आपली जबाबदारी आहे,आपल्याकडील कचरा सर्रास रस्त्यावर, सार्वजनिक ठिकाणी आपण टाकतो.येथे स्वच्छता राखा, असे लिहिलेल्या पाटीखालीच कचर्याचा डोंगर असतो. म्हणजे नियम हे मोडण्यासाठीच असतात, अशी आपली धारणा आहे.

पान खाऊन चहूकडे थुंकणे तर काहींचा छंद आहे. कानीकपाळी ओरडून, दंड आकारुनसुद्धा हे  ऐकत नाहीत. आपण इतके बेजबाबदार आहोत की काही झाले की लगेच या सगळ्यांसाठी सरकार जबाबदार आहेत, असे म्हणून त्यातून अंग काढतो. आज प्रत्येक नागरिकाने आत्मपरीक्षण करण्याची गरज आहे. नाले, गटार हे सांडपाणी वाहून नेण्यासाठी असतात, कचरा टाकण्यासाठी नाही, पण तरीही नाल्यांना डम्पिंग ग्राऊंडचे रुप आलेले दिसते. ओला कचरा आणि सुका कचरा वेगळा टाकावा, अशा सूचना वारंवार पालिकेकडून दिल्या जातात. तरीही हा नियम अनेक पायदळी तुडवतात. आपण जबाबदार नागरिक का बनत नाही?

शहरांमधील वाहतुकीला शिस्त लावा

वाहतुकीचे नियम जितके आपल्याकडे मोडले जातात, तितके क्वचितच इतरत्र मोडले जात असतील. अस्ताव्यस्त पार्किंग करणे, ओव्हरटेक करणे ,अगदी छातीटोकपणे आपल्याकडे केले जाते. नियम मोडण्यात सुशिक्षित-अशिक्षित दोघेही आघाडीवर, हेच आपले दुर्दैव आहे.रस्त्यावरील वाहतूक अडवून लग्नाच्या मिरवणुकीत नाचणं, वेगवेगळ्या मिरवणुका काढून शहरांमध्ये वाहतुकीची कोंडी अजून कठीण करणे चालूच आहे. 

रस्त्यानं नीट आणि वेग मर्यादित ठेवून वाहन चालवणं, रस्ता क्रॉस करणाऱ्यांना रस्ता ओलांडू देणं, आपल्या वाहनाची धडक बसून कोणी  जखमी होणार नाही, मरणार नाही अशी सावधगिरी बाळगणं जरुरी आहे.

शहरांमधील रस्त्यांवर होणारे अपघात कमी करण्यासाठी वाहतूक यंत्रणा अधिक सक्षम केली जावी. वाहनचालकांनी वाहतुकीच्या नियमांचे पालन काटेकोर करावे यासाठी वाहतूक पोलिसांची मजबूत फळी असावी. वाहतूक नियम तोडणार्या नागरिकांना शिक्षा द्यावी.वाहतुकीचे नियम पाळुन आपण प्रचंड प्रमाणामध्ये पेट्रोल आणि डिझेलची बचत करू शकतो आणि देशाच्या ऊर्जा सुरक्षेला मदत करू शकतो.