abundant water and surrounded by hills, it should have been a dream place to live in. Yet, young people seem to be seeking an escape route, looking for greener pastures in other cities. ‘Why would they want to move away from here’? I thought to myself.

The situation became clearer each passing day. Political bungling, corruption in high places, infighting, lack of true leadership, the extortion racket by terrorists, disruptions through protests and bandhs, all affect daily life for the people of the state. I am told that everyone earning a salary or running a business is forced to give a percentage of earnings to adverse rebels groups with a lost ideology. Not complying means putting oneself and ones family at risk of death. Bomb blasts and bullets are a regular affair despite security forces trying to maintain law and order.

Add to this the Meitei versus Naga versus Kuki tussle, the unstable Myanmar situation in the neighbourhood, the drug trail through this region, and the recipe for disaster becomes obvious. Injecting drug use and HIV are ingredients that further threaten people’s health and well being.

The youth seem most affected by the negativity. While elsewhere in the country, varied courses in higher education and a choice of employment opportunities are giving hope to millions of young Indians, the youth of Manipur are being forced to seek greener pastures outside their home state. Of course people everywhere move when opportunities beckon. But here, it is almost a forced exodus. When employment opportunities are few despite a high state literacy rate and available jobs come with an extortion rider, when even recreation and entertainment are impossible because of the fear factor on the ground, children will want to leave and parents will urge their children to find their prospects elsewhere.

After all the beautiful people of Manipur are intelligent, hard working and extremely talented. They have proved themselves in diverse fields ranging from the usual to the creative. They have excelled in sports, fine arts and many are serving the nation in the armed forces. They have a right to seek a better future when it seems a remote possibility in their homeland. Aren’t people all over the country and many parts of the world doing just that?

But is it just that? Or is it a feeling of hopelessness and despair that is driving the youth away? Unlike youth in other states, those who leave often do not return. It’s like a one-way street leading away from home. And in their home state, things are going from bad to worse.

For the extortionists who feed to make easy money, it’s a win-win situation. Raise the bogey of state sponsored violence and neglect and keep it going to line the pockets of the unlawful armed minority and their political patrons. Manipur’s children as young as 14 years are being sucked into the vortex of crime by innumerable terrorist groups, making a flourishing business out of exploitation. They get injured and even killed while those who brainwash, coerce and use them for their selfish ends are without remorse. Even a four-member group operates as an independent outfit and the majority knows they are not thee for the good of Manipur or its people.

Fear has given way to a resigned acceptance. And this is extremely worrying. It is a crucial factor that hinders the return of peace and prosperity to this beautiful land. Confused people who debate and blame cannot contribute to change. The urgent need is for youth to rise and be counted.

Is going away the answer or do people have to awaken and unite to overcome the problems that have plagued them for decades? The very basis for empowerment lies in taking responsibility and finding acceptable solutions. A blame game seldom does anyone good. While the past cannot be changed, a future can be ruined if the present is not taken care of.

Many Manipuri’s who have prospered elsewhere will be willing to invest in the state if only the community supports them when extortionists threaten. If that is allowed to happen, employment opportunities, recreation facilities and better quality of life will attract youth to stay back and contribute to its progress and prosperity. They can then shape the future of the state in line with their aspirations and vision.

I may be an outsider to the region and state but we share a country and a world. Experience shows that people have the power to rise above individual needs, bury differences and work hand in hand to change their lives. The youth who love their homeland can take the lead and show the older generation they have what it takes to turn despair into hope.

The road is difficult but a beginning has been made. Young people have started questioning motives of ultras and their patrons. They have begun to work within their community urging their peers to stay focused on education and jobs. There are many programs to counter the tendency towards drugs and a defeatist attitude. As more and more concerned youth take the initiative, the path can only become smoother, the going easier. Even raising an issue that makes people shed their apathy can make a big difference. It can spur positive action. When people unite, discussions happen and discussions happen and decisions are taken. Courage and conviction to focus on the greater good of people and the state in the long term is the need of the hour.

Until that happens, the young men and women of the state will continue to seek an uncertain future in other states. Maybe they will never return home to the parents who love them. To their friends they may have left behind. That will be a sad thing for Manipur. Because true happiness is when people live with peace and progress in their homeland. Yes, there is always hope and faith. The time has come for each and every young person to introspect and answer a simple question. Are we going to do our bit for change or are we going to shift blame and look for an escape route? Herein lies the future of Manipur. With deep admiration for its smiling people, I join the group of well wishers waiting for the young to inherit their state.