THE POWER OF PEOPLE'S MOVEMENT
- Muanniang Tunglut
Today, I want to share something about the power of a people's movement. I don't want anyone to underestimate the power and force behind the ongoing movement/protest of the tribal people of Manipur. A people's movement or mass movement is powerful enough to force a President out of power and into exile. I suppose, most of you must be knowing what I am talking about by now. Yes, I am talking about Ukraine's fight for freedom based on the documentary, Winter on Fire directed by Evgeny Afineesky, a Russian-Israeli filmmaker based in Los Angeles.
I was fortunate to watch the documentary during my hometown visit and it touched a chord inside me. Unlike our movement, their protest was a violent one. They were revolting against their President, Victor Yanukovych for refusing to sign an agreement to join the European Union(EU). As we all know, Ukraine declared its independence from Russia in 1991. Yanukovych was leaning towards Russia while the people were more inclined towards integration into the EU.
The Ukrainian struggle was centred on Kiev's Maidan square and lasted for 93 wintry days in late 2013 and early 2014. As many as 125 people died while hundreds were wounded. The protestors never gave up till the end. Ultimately, Yanukovych gave in under pressure and flee the country.
There are so many similarities between the Ukrainian struggle and our own though ours is a peaceful protest and we are not asking for any major policy changes but only claiming what is guaranteed to us under the highest law of the land, the Constitution of India.
The first is that even ordinary citizens came to believe that by refusing to join the EU, the Government is stealing their children's future. In effect, they were fighting for the future of their children. The tribal people of Manipur are protesting against the three anti-tribal Bills and demanding a separate administration for the Hills in order to secure the future of the coming generation.
Secondly, the military police did not spare anyone. Students, women and even children were beaten up. Use of live ammunition in place of rubber bullets and irons rods instead of plastic ones against the protestors sounds familiar.
Thirdly, what is most impressive is the sincerity and dedication of the protestors. They were fully committed to their cause. Though the Government unleashed its elite Special Force units, the Berkut on the protestors and the troops and snipers started firing mercilessly at them and many of them died or were wounded in the process, there was no stopping the protestors. They were scared and shocked at the brutality of the Berkut troops but nobody ran away. Voices could be heard saying, 'You are shooting at your own people'. Through it all, the protestors stood firm displaying rare courage and perseverance.
Fourthly, we have the coming together of diverse people from all over Ukraine united in a common cause. The protestors range from professionals to students to labourers to clergy. People of different faiths and non believers united in the cause.
Lastly, the Ukrainians were revolting against their President who was popularly elected. When he failed to protect the interest of his people, they no longer want him as a leader.
One underlying factor in the Ukrainian struggle is the fight for freedom – freedom for self determination, freedom to choose, freedom to determine their own future and write their own destiny as the Hill people of Manipur are demanding right now.
The ongoing movement of the Manipur tribals is a people's movement. It is a very powerful movement because power comes from the people. Let us remind ourselves each day that we have the power. It is we that give power to the Government or the leaders. No matter how powerful a leader thinks he is, he cannot go against the wishes of the people nor do something to their detriment. Also, a people united can never be defeated. And people with full commitment and dedication to a cause can work wonders, even force a Government out of power.
Every day, there is a sit in peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar. The Manipur tribals are not going to give up, until their demands are met. People from all the hill areas of Manipur comprising of various tribes and diverse backgrounds are standing together united in their cause. This is a sure recipe for success.
Each of us can further the cause by going there. There is strength in numbers. There is power in collective action. We are in the process of making history, something that the coming generation will look back with pride. May God continue to be with our leaders. May God bless MTFD. Long live, MTFD.