Tag: Manipur

Categories
India News Woman

Manipur video of sexual assault sparks nationwide outrage

The statement said that the horrifying ordeal suffered by these innocent women is amplified by the perpetrators’ decision to share the video, which shows the identity of the victims, on social media…reports Asian Lite News

Horrific videos of two young women being paraded naked on a road by a mob in Manipur have been widely circulated on social media, drawing widespread condemnation and demand for strictest actions.

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) claimed that the two women were also gang-raped in a paddy field after being paraded naked on May 4, and demanded stern actions against the perpetrators.

Many political leaders, including Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Tipra Motha Party (TMP) supremo Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barman severely condemned the incident and demanded strict action.

Responding to the incident, Manipur Police, in a tweet, said: “All out effort to arrest culprits as regard to the viral video of 02 (two) women paraded naked: As regard to the viral video of 02 (two) women paraded naked by unknown armed miscreants on 4th May, 2023, a case of abduction, gangrape and murder etc  was registered at Nongpok Sekmai PS (Thoubal District) against unknown armed miscreants and the investigation has been started. The State Police is making all-out effort to arrest the culprits at the earliest.”

The ITLF, in a strongly-worded statement, said that two and a half months into the ethnic conflict in Manipur, evidence of atrocities committed against Kuki-Zo tribals continue to surface.

“A video which went viral on Wednesday shows a large Meitei mob parading two Kuki-Zo tribal women naked toward a paddy field to be gang-raped. The despicable scene, which happened on May 4 in Kangpokpi district, shows the men constantly molesting the helpless women, who cry and plead with their captors,” ITLF spokesman Ginza Vualzong said in a statement.

He said that the gangrape of the women in B. Phainom village happened after the village was burnt down and two men – one middle-aged and another teenager – were brutally beaten to death by the mob.

The statement said that the horrifying ordeal suffered by these innocent women is amplified by the perpetrators’ decision to share the video, which shows the identity of the victims, on social media.

The ITLF vehemently condemns the sickening act and demands that the Central and state governments, the National Commission for Women, and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes to take cognisance of the offense and take all necessary measures to bring justice to the culprits, the statement added.

Strongly condemning the incident, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra tweeted : “The pictures of sexual violence against women coming from Manipur are heart wrenching. The amount of condemnation of this horrific incident of violence against women is less. Women and children have to bear the maximum brunt of violence in the society. We must all condemn the violence in one voice while furthering the efforts for peace in Manipur. Why is the Central Government, Prime Minister sitting blindly on the violent incidents in Manipur? Do such pictures and violent incidents not disturb them ?”

Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi tweeted: “PM’s silence and inaction has led Manipur into anarchy. INDIA will not stay silent while the idea of India is being attacked in Manipur. We stand with the people of Manipur. Peace is the only way forward.”

TMP chief Deb Barman tweeted : “Disturbing videos emerging from Manipur about a woman belonging to a particular community being paraded naked by a mob . There is total breakdown in the relationships of the two communities there . Hate has won in Manipur.”

‘Absolutely heartbroken and appalled’

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Thursday said that he was absolutely heartbroken and appalled at the sight of two women paraded naked by a mob of men and later sexually assaulted.

Stalin in a tweet on his official handle said, “Absolutely heartbroken and appalled by the agonising violence unleashed on women in #Manipur. Where is our collective conscience ? The hate and venom are uprooting the very soul of humanity. We must stand united against such atrocities and work towards fostering a society of empathy and respect. The Union government should take all necessary steps to restore peace in Manipur.# Manipurviolence”.

The dastardly act had reportedly taken place on May 4 at B Phainom village in the Kangpokpi district of Manipur.

The DMK and its allies are aiming for a clean sweep in the ensuing Lok Sabha election of 2024 and the Chief Minister has already called upon party workers and leaders to win all the 39 seats from Tamil Nadu and the lone seat from the neighbouring Puducherry.

With a disunited opposition in Tamil Nadu, Stalin is expecting to rake up maximum issues that would put the Central government in a poor light, sources said.

The DMK think tanks are of the opinion that regular bombardment against the Central government led by BJP will have its effect in Tamil Nadu which is strongly defending the entry of the saffron party into the state.

Loksabha adjourned

The Lok Sabha was adjourned till July 21 amid protests by the Congress-led opposition, which sought a discussion on Manipur violence and also Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response on the matter in the Lower House.

As soon as the Lower House convened at 2 p.m., the opposition members led by Congress, including DMK, Left and JD(U) entered the well of the House, shouting slogans “Manipur is burning!” and “PM come to the House!”

They sought Prime minister Narendra Modi’s response on Manipur violence in the Lok Sabha.

As Kirit Solanki, who was in the chair, allowed laying of papers, the opposition members raised slogans and created ruckus in the well.

Even NCP members and the lone newly elected AAP MP from Jalandhar Sushil Kumar Rinku could be seen standing near their seats, showing solidarity with other opposition members.

Parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi said that the government was ready to discuss Manipur issue in the House as and when the Speaker allots time and date. However amid continuous protests, Solanki adjourned the House for the day.

‘Incident can never be forgiven‘

Expressing his pain and anger over the Manipur incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the gruesome incident with the women in the Northeastern state is very shameful, and can never be forgiven.

“Today, my heart is filled with pain and anger. The incident of Manipur which has surfaced, for any civilised society, this is a very shameful incident,” Modi told reporters in the Parliament House Complex ahead of the beginning of the Monsoon Session, referring to the horrific video which went viral on social media, of two women being paraded naked in Manipur.

He said, “This incident is an insult for the entire nation as it has shamed 140 crore countrymen. The incident which happened with the women in Manipur can never be forgiven. I assure the countrymen that no one will be spared.”

The Prime Minister also urged the Chief Ministers of the states to further strengthen the law and order situation in their respective states.

“I urge all the CMs to further strengthen law and order situation in their respective states, especially for the protection of mother and daughter, and take action against the perpetrators,” he said.

He added, “Whether the incident is of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Manipur or any part of the country, rising above politics, the law and order is important.”

The Opposition has been slamming the BJP since the video went viral and questioned the law and order situation in the Northeastern state.

Prime Minister Modi also said that all the political parties should make the best use of this Monsoon session.

Bollywood demands justice

The recently surfaced video of two women belonging to the Kuki-Zomi community being paraded naked and being assaulted by a mob of men, has sent shockwaves across India. Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar and director Vivek Agnihotri have strongly reacted to the video, condemning the “shameful” act.

Akshay Kumar took to his Twitter and shared a note saying that he feels shaken and disgusted to see such unspeakable cruelty being meted out to the women.

He tweeted: “Shaken, disgusted to see the video of violence against women in Manipur. I hope the culprits get such a harsh punishment that no one ever thinks of doing a horrifying thing like this again.”

Vivek Agnihotri, who is known for ‘The Kashmir Files’, took to his Instagram and shared a heartfelt note saying how the nation has failed as a society.

He wrote in his Instagram post: “MANIPUR: Moplah, Direct Action Day, Noakhali, Bangladesh, Punjab, Kashmir, Bengal, Kerala, Assam, Bastar and now Manipur. Every time our innocent mothers and sisters become the ultimate victims of inhuman, barbarian acts. As a Bharatiya, as a man, as a human being, I am shattered each time. I am ashamed.”

He further mentioned that he feels guilty for being helpless in such a situation and also wrote that there is “no right to life in free India.”

He continued: “I am so guilty for my helplessness. O Manipur, I tried… I tried… but I failed. All I can do now is tell their tragic stories through my work. But it’s too late by then. We are all victims of selective and hyper- competitive electoral politics. We are victims of hyper-religion. We are victims of dangerous media. We, the people of Bharat, are victims. There is no #RightToLife in free India. And we can’t do anything about it.”

“This is not the freedom I want. This is not the kind of democracy I want. It’s worth nothing if it makes us bay for each other’s blood. We are a failed society. I am sorry, my sisters. I am sorry, my mothers. I am sorry, Bharat Mata,” he added.

Soni Razdan wrote in her Instagram Story: “I really want to know what the government is going, and why primetime news is not flooded with news about Manipur and most important of all, where is the Army?”

Kiara Advani tweeted: “The video of violence against women in Manipur is horrifying and has shaken me to the core. I pray the women get justice at the earliest. Those responsible must face the most SEVERE punishment they deserve.”

Sanjay Dutt also took to his Twitter and wrote: “The video portraying violence against women in Manipur was shocking and sickening. My utmost hope is for the culprits to be punished with the utmost severity, sending a clear message that such despicable actions will not be tolerated in any circumstance.”

Actor Riteish Deshmukh too wrote on his Twitter: “Deeply disturbed with the visuals of the atrocities against the women in Manipur… I am seething with anger… no man should go unpunished for such crime. Attack on the dignity of a woman is an attack on humanity itself (sic).”

Actor-comedian Vir Das shared a series of tweet holding the government and the officials responsible for the shameful and the delay in bringing justice to the victims.

He wrote: “When horrific incidents occur make no mistake, through the system, our leaders are IMMEDIATELY aware. When months later videos go viral, twitter is aware. If leaders only then respond, it’s to twitter, not horrific incidents. They care about online outrage, not real people.”

He continued in his tweets: “People outrage as and when they become aware or are allowed to. It takes a specific kind of creepy man to invalidate a crime against a woman by offsetting it against the comparative outrage for another crime against another woman. It’s Masterful whataboutery. Don’t fall for it.”

“Grateful to see our leadership speak up and take action for the viral people of India,” he added.

The video shows two women, one in her 20s and the other in her 40s, being made to walk naked down a road and towards a field by a mob of men. Some of the men can be seen dragging the two women towards a field and sexually assaulting them.

Though the said incident took place on May 4 as per the police, the video emerged on July 19 sparking massive outrage across the country.

ALSO READ-Opposition’s ‘INDIA’ to take on BJP-led NDA

Categories
Asia News India News World News

MANIPUR CLASHES: Ethnic Divisions, Not Religion, Fuel Violence

The conflict between Meiteis and Kukis, which is causing Manipur to burn is actually a conflict of identities and rights, rather than religion. The issue is not Hindu vs. Christian or Tribal vs. Non-Tribal; instead, we must look at the bigger picture, discard one-sided narratives, fabricated videos, unverified facts, and false claims. Manipur, like many parts of Northeast India, is home to a diverse tapestry of over 30 ethnic communities, unfortunately plagued by a history of mutual distrust. A special comment by James Khangenbam

The recent outbreak of violence in Manipur is rooted in long-standing disputes over land and special privileges, which have created deep divisions between the two major ethnic groups. The protests and ensuing violence have resulted in casualties, including the killing of an IRS officer by a mob and the shooting of a police commando in his own village. Even an MLA from the ruling government, a Kuki tribal, was targeted by protestors. The situation has escalated to the extent that the army has been deployed in the state to contain the violence.

Manipur, like many parts of Northeast India, is home to a diverse tapestry of over 30 ethnic communities, unfortunately, plagued by a history of mutual distrust. The Meiteis constitute a significant portion of the population, with most residing in the Imphal Valley. However, a considerable number have migrated to states like Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. The Meiteis primarily speak the Meitei language, which is the official language of the state, and follow predominantly Hinduism, with a minority practising Islam. They are primarily engaged in agriculture, particularly rice cultivation.

The Meiteis, organised into seven clans, have historically been influential in ruling Manipur since ancient times. Manipur was conquered by the British in 1891 AD and was ruled as a protected kingdom until it gained independence alongside India in 1947. However, in October 1949, the King signed a merger agreement with India in Shillong, making Manipur part of the Indian state. As a result, the Manipuri language is essentially the Meitei language. The Meiteis have a dominant presence in the cultural and economic spheres of Manipur.

On the other hand, the Kukis and Nagas express grievances about the allocation of developmental benefits, which they believe disproportionately favour the Meitei-inhabited areas. They feel exploited, as even though they constitute approximately 50% of the population, 40% of the state assembly’s 60 seats are reserved for Meiteis. These grievances were exacerbated when the High Court directed the state to forward the petition of the Meiteis, who seek inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list, to the central government. The Kukis and Nagas oppose this status, fearing that Meiteis already enjoy better representation in government jobs and higher economic status compared to the tribal communities. They believe that granting ST status to the Meiteis would provide them with additional benefits.

The Meiteis argue that, since they embraced Hinduism centuries ago, they have been classified as a general category after 1948, even though they were considered tribals before that. They insist on obtaining ST status because they perceive being in the general category as a disadvantage in the state, as non-tribals are prohibited from purchasing land in the hills, while tribals like the Kukis and Nagas are free to do so in the Imphal Valley and other parts of Manipur. Additionally, with the increasing influx of illegal migrants from Myanmar, the Meiteis fear being outnumbered in their own homeland.

Following the coup in Myanmar, illegal Kuki immigrants find it easier to settle in the hill districts of Manipur due to similarities in language and culture with the local population. Some Kukis are allegedly involved in poppy cultivation in the hills, and it is claimed that the government’s crackdown on this activity was one of the reasons behind the Kuki protests. However, Kuki groups refute this and maintain that the protests were against the Meitei reservation.

Recently, the All-Tribal Student’s Union of Manipur (ATSUM) organized a solidarity march opposing the Meitei demand for reservation, which escalated into a volatile and violent situation when the Manipur High Court directed the state to pursue the granting of reservation. The Meiteis feel marginalized and victimized without constitutional protection and seek safeguards to protect their culture, language, and identity.

The Kukis are discontented not only due to tribal dynamics but also due to concerns about the role of the state and the rise of “Meitei nationalism” in Manipur. A recent eviction drive by the state government, aimed at clearing reserved forest land under the Forest Rights Act, has led to the displacement of Kuki villagers without proper rehabilitation. Given the current dynamics, the Kuki community believes that separate administration is the only solution.

The unfolding events and long-standing stigmas associated with the division between the valley and the hills have fuelled dissatisfaction and a desire for revenge. As a result, Manipur is currently engulfed in chaos. Adding to the turmoil is the rampant spread of misinformation on social media platforms. Many Twitter handles are peddling false narratives, such as Kuki groups engaging in the ethnic cleansing of Meiteis, and vice versa. This misinformation exacerbates the situation, with innocent lives lost, villages in flames, and people uprooted from their roots, while the truth is overshadowed.

It is crucial to awaken from the slumber of communal disharmony and recognize that the turmoil is not always rooted in religious differences. The issue at hand is not Hindu vs. Christian or Tribal vs. Non-Tribal; instead, we must look at the bigger picture, and discard one-sided narratives, fabricated videos, unverified facts, and false claims. Internet services were suspended in Manipur until July 10th due to the volatile situation, as misinformation could incite further violence. The key question that needs to be addressed is how the killings, arson, chaos, and destruction are escalating at such an alarming rate, leaving informed citizens grasping for a reasonable and rational understanding.

It is essential to note that all ethnic groups in Manipur belong to the same Mongolic clan, sharing similar cultures and traditional practices. The Kuki people are an ethnic group present in various states, including Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, and neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar. They mostly inhabit the hills around the Imphal Valley in Manipur. The arrival of missionaries and the subsequent spread of Christianity among the Kukis marked a departure from their ancestral customs and traditions. The British victory in the Anglo-Kuki war (1917-1919) opened their minds to the British culture of governance and society, leading to a rapid conversion to Christianity. Additionally, due to their proximity to Bengal, a Kuki-Muslim community gradually emerged, consisting mostly of descendants of Kuki men who married Bengali Muslim women.

Some Kukis assert that their ancestors were brought from the Kuki-Chin hills of Burma by the British and settled around the Imphal Valley to protect Manipur from marauding Nagas in the north. They consider this their homeland, although the territory they claim has now shrunk to the hilly areas dominated by Naga tribes. The Kukis often complain about the alleged neglect of these hill districts by the Meitei-dominated state government.

It is evident that the divide in Manipur is not based on religious bias but rather on a growing divide between the valley and hills, between settled and shifting communities, and between the “State” and “Non-state.” The concept of “State” refers to the Meiteis, who settled in the valley, engaged in agriculture, and contributed to economic and cultural processes that shaped a distinct state identity. Conversely, the tribal communities practised shifting agriculture in the hills, cultivating seasonal crops with limited contributions to the culture and the economy. As a result, they became categorized as “Non-state.” This divide was intentionally fostered and fuelled by the British, enabling them to align with the “civilized” state realm according to their own culture and governance practices.

Categories
India News

Rahul Gandhi arrives in Manipur

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi said that the unprecedented violence that has devastated the lives of people in Manipur has “left a deep wound in the conscience of our nation” while appealing for peace and harmony in the state…reports Asian Lite News

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived in Manipur’s capital Imphal on Thursday for a two-day visit to the violence-hit state.

He was received by former Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and President of Manipur Pradesh Congress Keisham Meghachandra Singh at the Imphal airport. Rahul Gandhi on Thursday morning left from Delhi airport for Imphal.

The Congress leader will be in Manipur on June 29 and 30 during which he is scheduled to visit relief camps and interact with civil society representatives in Imphal and Churachandpur.”Rahul Gandhi will visit relief camps and meet people displaced by the ethnic clashes and also interact with representatives of civil society in Imphal and Churachandpur during the visit,” Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal said in a tweet.

Ethnic clashes broke out in the State nearly two months ago on May 3 after clashes erupted during a rally organised by the All Tribal Students Union (ATSU) to protest against the demand for the inclusion of Meiteis in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs). “Rahul Gandhi ji will be visiting Manipur on 29-30 June. He will visit relief camps and interact with civil society representatives in Imphal and Churachandpur during his visit. Manipur has been burning for nearly two months and desperately needs a healing touch so that society can move from conflict to peace. This is a humanitarian tragedy and it is our responsibility to be a force of love, not hate,” said KC Venugopal in a tweet.

Further, speaking about the same, Kh Debabrata, Working President MPCC said, “Rahul Gandhi will be visiting Churachandpur to meet people staying in the relief camps and stay with the affected families. Later he will visit Moirang and will interact with the affected families and Civil Society Organisations. Tomorrow he will meet important people in Imphal and also visit two more relief camps.”
Congress has been vocal on Manipur since the outbreak of violence started in the BJP-ruled state.

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi said that the unprecedented violence that has devastated the lives of people in Manipur has “left a deep wound in the conscience of our nation” while appealing for peace and harmony in the state.

Ajoy Kumar, AICC Incharge North East on Thursday said that there is total law and order “failure” in the state right now. “Rahul Gandhi and Congress party has always been raising the Manipur issue. Rahul Gandhi believes that the country needs to know the situation of Manipur. There is total law and order failure in the state right now. The double-engine government has become the triple problem government. Rahul Gandhi will be meeting the people of the state and I think the government should take a lesson, after this visit,” Kumar said while speaking to ANI.

Notably, the BJP is under fire from the Opposition and other quarters over the continuing violence in Manipur. The Congress has been making scathing attacks against the BJP governments, both at the Centre and in the state of Manipur, over their handling of the violence.
The party has already demanded the removal of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. Earlier on June 24, Home Minister Shah held an all-party meeting in Delhi and gave an assurance of restoring peace in the state, while the opposition parties questioned PM Narendra Modi’s ‘silence’ on the matter at the all-party meeting on the violence in Manipur.
BJP national president JP Nadda, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, and CPI (M) MP John Brittas, among other leaders, were present in the meeting. (ANI)

Convoy stoped by police

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s convoy which was on its way to Manipur’s Churachandpur was on Thursday stopped by local police at a check post near Bishnupur, which is about 20 kilometres from the State capital Imphal.

Gandhi who had landed in Imphal earlier today for a two-day visit was on his way to Churachandpur where he planned to meet people, displaced by the recent clashes, at the relief camps. Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal while speaking to ANI said that the police said that they are not in a “position” to allow the leaders to head forward.

“Rahul Gandhi’s convoy has been stopped by police near Bishnupur. Police say that they are not in a position to allow us. People are standing on both sides of the road to wave to Rahul Gandhi. We are not able to understand why have they stopped us” Venugopal told ANI.
Venugopal had earlier had confirmed that during his stay, Rahul Gandhi will engage with civil society representatives and visit relief camps in Imphal and Churachandpur, two of the worst affected places in the State due to violence.

Meanwhile, the All Manipur Students Union’ issued a statement today condemning the successive governments in the state and said that the Congress Party has a big role to play in it. “.. We believe that the present communal crisis in Manipur is a result of the political blunders that have been committed by the successive governments that have ruled Manipur over time and Congress has a big role to play,” the union said.
Addressing a press conference here, the All Manipur Students Union Secretary-General said “In 2012, the Congress party deleted four Gram Panchayats and one Zila Parishad constituency which were part of the Imphal West district from the Manipur Panchayati Raj system and they were allotted to come under the autonomous district council of Kangopi district. It had further enhanced the dreamland of Kuki nation state.”
Ethnic clashes broke out in the State nearly two months ago on May 3 after clashes erupted during a rally organised by the All Tribal Students Union (ATSU) to protest against the demand for the inclusion of Meiteis in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs).(ANI)

ALSO READ-Rahul Gandhi features on billboard at New York’s iconic Times Square

Categories
India News

PM Modi chairs high-level meeting on Manipur

The meeting took place within 12 hours of the Prime Minister returning to India after his state visits to the US and Egypt…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday chaired a high level meeting, with a likely focus on the prevailing situation in Manipur, with Union Ministers Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman and Hardeep Puri in attendance.

Sources in the Prime Minister’s Office have refused to comment on the meeting, however it is being speculated that Shah has briefed Modi about the Manipur situation as well as on the all-party meeting convened on June 24. 

The meeting took place within 12 hours of the Prime Minister returning to India after his state visits to the US and Egypt. 

It comes amid the Opposition’s accusations that the BJP governments at the Centre and in Manipur “failed miserably” in handling ethinic violence. 

Since the violence broke out on May 3, over 100 people have died, with more than 300 others injured.

Some 50,000 people have also been displaced as a result of the conflict.

ALSO READ-Army Chief visits Manipur ahead of Amit Shah’s visit

Categories
Defence India News Politics

Army Chief visits Manipur ahead of Amit Shah’s visit

General Manoj Pande will visit various districts where he will interact with the local commanders and obtain a first-hand account of the ground situation, reports Asian Lite News

Two days before the scheduled visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to the ethnic violence-hit Manipur, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande reached Manipur on Saturday to hold meetings with various civil society organisations in Churachandpur district.

Defence sources said that the COAS arrived in Imphal on Saturday on a two-day visit. He will visit various districts where he will interact with the local commanders and obtain a first-hand account of the ground situation.

General Pande will also interact with the troops.

On Sunday, he will meet Governor Anusuiya Uikey, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Chief Security Advisor to Manipur Kuldiep Singh and would discuss and deliberate over the current situation and future trajectory, in order to restore normalcy in the trouble-torn state at the earliest.

A Manipur government official said that in view of the widespread ethnic violence in at least 11 of the 16 districts of the state, the state administration had requisitioned Army and Assam Rifles on May 3.

As an immediate response, the Army and Assam Rifles deployed 135 columns of troops to diffuse the situation by carrying out active domination of the sensitive and fringe areas.

Approximately 35,000 people from different communities have been evacuated to safe zones and immediate relief and humanitarian aid has been provided to the displaced civilians by the Army and Assam Rifles.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, who is now on a visit to the strife-torn state, said that Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to reach Manipur for a three-day visit on May 29.

Meanwhile, Eastern Command Army chief Lt Gen R.P. Kalita visited Manipur’s several sensitive and mixed-populated districts from May 22-24 to assess and review the ground security situation. He visited Kangpokpi, Matripukhri, Churachandpur, Bishnupur, Yaingangpokpi and Moreh, where he was updated on the security situation by the local commanders.

ALSO READ: Sittwe Port to boost trade in Northeast, South East Asia

Categories
India News Lite Blogs Travel & Tourism

Manipur: North India’s natural splendour and beauty

Places to visit at the Femina Miss India 2023 hosting state.(photo:IANSLIFE)

The Singda Dam is the tallest mud dam in the world. Singda is situated at a height of about metres above sea level and is 16 kilometres from the capital city of Imphal. With its picturesque views and relative peace, it is a well-liked picnic location…writes Olivia Sarkar

Manipur is a beautiful and fascinating state in northeastern India, It is abundant in natural splendour and beauty. The state exemplifies Indian natural beauty, making it a great tourist destination.

On April 15, the 59th Femina Miss India competition grand finale will be held at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium in Imphal, Manipur, and will be sponsored by the Manipur Tourism Department with co-presentation by VLCC & Trends. If you are travelling to Manipur for the Grand Finale, take a chance and visit these sites to experience the splendour of pristine nature.

Loktak Lake

This is the only floating lake in the world and the biggest freshwater lake in north-eastern India. Bhumia and Sendra are two of the few islands in the lake. Additionally, this lake is the location of the Keibul National Park. The best time to experience a sublime boat ride on the lake is at sunset. It defines the beauty of the city at its best.

Places to visit at the Femina Miss India 2023 hosting state.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Kangla Fort

On the banks of the Imphal River, in a location sometimes known as the Palace of Kangla, King Pakhangba had his regal residence. This fort has been available for public observation since 2003. Due to its historical and archaeological value, it is a popular tourist destination and the entry fee to the fort is very pocket-friendly.

Places to visit at the Femina Miss India 2023 hosting state.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Singda Dam

The Singda Dam is the tallest mud dam in the world. Singda is situated at a height of about metres above sea level and is 16 kilometres from the capital city of Imphal. With its picturesque views and relative peace, it is a well-liked picnic location.

Places to visit at the Femina Miss India 2023 hosting state.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Langthabal

Langthabal, one of the city’s top tourist destinations, is well known for its majestic temples and ancient structures. A must-see among the magnificent architectural wonders is the jackfruit and pine plantations.

Shri Govindjee Temple

One of Manipur’s most important temples, built in the Nagara architectural style, is located close to the royal palace. Along with Shree Govindajee, it is dedicated to a number of other Hindu deities, including Krishna, Balaram, Jagannath, Subhadra, etc.

ALSO READ-Travel…relax…and indulge in opulence

Categories
India News Politics

Women at the centre of Manipuri society, but on the margins in politics

The market, which has a history of over 500 years, has around 3,615 licenced women vendors registered with the Imphal Municipal Corporation…reports Sujit Chakraborty

Akin to many previous elections, 10,49,639 women voters outnumbered the male electorate of 9,85,119 in poll-bound Manipur, where women have always been playing a significant role in society for over a century. However, women are almost non-existent in the decision or policy-making bodies.

Since British rule, women in the erstwhile princely state have been playing a prominent role in Manipuri society for over a century.

From economic activities to mass agitations, domestic affairs to sports and cultural activities, societal awareness to fight against the drugs menace and militancy, women have been in a dominating role. However, in the male-dominated society, they (women) have an insignificant chance to become a lawmaker or a minister or at least be in a commanding administrative position.

The world’s largest and century-old all-women-run market ‘Ima Keithal’ or the ‘Mother’s Market’, located in Manipur capital Imphal and other smaller all-women markets functioning in different parts of the northeastern state boost economic activities to a large extent.

The market, which has a history of over 500 years, has around 3,615 licenced women vendors registered with the Imphal Municipal Corporation.

Imphal-based writer and political commentator Iboyaima Laithangbam said: “Since the British period, the Ima Keithel has not remained only a simple marketplace or trading hub, but developed as an apex centre for campaigns on various societal issues and against anti-social activities.”

Another Manipuri writer Rajkuamr Kalyanjit Singh said that men can purchase anything from “Ima Market” but they cannot be a vendor or seller.

“Manipuri women wearing their traditional attire operate their shops and stalls and occasionally organise various traditional festivals and events. The women vendors help each other and guide the new vendors to do business,” Singh said.

The vendors in Ima Market are known as ‘imas’ or mothers, and the majority of them are between 50 and 70 years of age.

Singh said that in 1891 the British introduced stringent political and economic reforms leading to an adverse impact on the market.

“Several measures including high taxation were imposed that eventually troubled the socio-economic fabric of the state in general and Manipuri society in particular. All these led to the formation of the ‘Nupi Lan’ (Women’s War) movement in 1939 to revolt against the atrocities of the British. Protest rallies, mass gatherings and campaigns were held to denounce the British policies and measures.

“The British, in order to thwart the agitation, tried to sell the market’s buildings to external buyers and foreigners but the women of Manipur stood against the British and defended their market aggressively,” the veteran scholar said.

Since time immemorial, Manipur enjoys a distinct place in the handloom sector with lakhs of looms in the northeastern state. One of the special features of the industry is that women are the only weavers.

Despite women’s very significant position in Manipuri society, the representation of women in formal electoral politics is quite low as is evident from the results of the assembly and parliamentary elections.

Eighteen years after Manipur became a full-fledged state in 1972, the state saw its first woman legislator, the late Hangmila Shaiza (wife of late Yangmasho Shaiza, the fourth Chief Minister of Manipur) in 1990 from Ukhrul Assembly constituency.

Then, K. Apabi Devi and W. Leima Devi (who subsequently became a minister of state) got elected to the Assembly. Till date, only one woman Lok Sabha member Kim Gangte, from a tribal reserved seat – Outer Manipur, got elected to the 12th Lok Sabha in 1998.

Only three (five per cent) women were elected in the 2012 assembly elections and in the 2017 assembly polls, two (3.4 per cent) women were elected to the 60-member assembly.

Manipur has had less than 10 legislators and an MP from women in over five decades of electoral politics since 1972.

The Women’s Work Participation Rates (WPR) is much higher for Manipur compared to that of India as a whole.

Female WPR for rural areas according to the 2011 census is 41.2 per cent in Manipur against 30 per cent for all India. In urban areas, this percentage is 33.2 per cent for females in Manipur, 15.4 per cent for all India.

Social scientists, political commentators and pundits are unanimously saying that despite the women’s vital and unparalleled role in Manipuri society, they have always been neglected by the political parties and their leaders.

Dr Chinglen Maisnam, retired Associate Professor Manipur University (central varsity), said that women are always being treated as workers or a working force and the men are leaders or the dominating force.

“Manipur politics are mostly dominated by muscle power and money power leading to the insignificant women’s participation in the state politics and electoral fray. Gender bias is very strong in the mindset of most leaders of the political parties,” Maisnam said.

The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments paved the way for 33 per cent representation for women in local and grassroot level governments, he said.

“The 33 per cent reservation facilitates the women at the Gram Panchayat level to dominate the lower level governance and pave a route to political empowerment and gender equity by giving opportunity for a large number of women to enter into local governments and to be a part of decision-making bodies.

“But at the higher level or top level politics, the women have almost no role,” said Maisnam.

He said Manipuri women are not free from violence and abuse in their lives, despite their economic independence.

“Data from National Family Health Surveys-4 shows that 53.1 per cent women experienced spousal violence. The NFHS-5 revealed that though the percentage has come down to 39 per cent but it is still much higher than the national average,” Maisnam pointed out.

Writer Rajkuamr Kalyanjit Singh said that despite the prominent role of women in Manipur and inspite of the higher percentage of women voters, women are still not able to contribute significantly in the decision making process through electoral politics.

He said: “Leaders of all political parties are always talking about political empowerment along with economic empowerment of women, but in reality the situation is completely different.”

Manipuri women though deprived on many counts and victims of domestic violence, fought against many injustices since British rule.

The first ‘Nupi Lan’ (women’s war) was in 1904 when women organised a collective protest against the imposition of an order by the British requiring male members to rebuild the bungalows of British officials, forcing the government to withdraw its order due to the massive protests by women.

The second ‘Nupi Lan’ in 1939 was against the artificial scarcity of rice created by colonial policies and outside traders, and the government ultimately had to ban the export of rice from the state.

To this day, December 12 every year is celebrated as ‘Nupi Lan’ day to mark women’s uprising against the oppression of the British.

It was the “Ima Keithel” or “Ima Market” in Imphal that was the launching pad of the epoch-making two ‘Nupi Lan’ against the British.

“The “Ima Market” is not only an economic base of the Imas (mothers), but also their political base. This ‘Nupi Lan’ (an exclusive women’s movement) also marked the first people’s organised protest against the British,” Singh pointed out.

ALSO READ-BJP accounts for 70% of assets declared by national parties

Categories
India News

Congress, 4 Left parties, JD-S forge pre-poll alliance in Manipur

Though the BJP has yet to announce its candidates, its ally, the National People’s Party (NPP), on Monday announced the first list of 20 candidates…reports Asian Lite News

Ahead of the Manipur Assembly election, the main opposition Congress on Thursday announced a pre-poll alliance with four Left parties and Janata Dal-Secular.

Manipur Pradesh Congress President Nameirakpam Loken Singh said that the six parties would fight the elections together and were confident of defeating the ruling BJP.

Congress legislature party leader Okram Ibobi Singh, who was the Chief Minister for a record 15 years (2002-17), told the media that the 6-party alliance will have a common minimum programme unlike the BJP-led alliance in Manipur.

As per the understanding of the six parties so far, the CPI would nominate its candidate only in Khurai constituency, and in most of the other seats, Congress would field its nominees.

However, as the Congress as well as the CPI has already announced their candidates at Kakching Assembly constituency, the parties would have a friendly fight in the seat.

The CPI had announced two candidates and the Congress on Saturday announced its first list of 40 candidates.

Ibobi Singh, his son Surjakumar Okram, Loken Singh, former Congress Presidents Gaikhangam, T.N Haokip and 11 sitting MLAs also featured in the Congress list.

Though the BJP has yet to announce its candidates, its ally, the National People’s Party (NPP), on Monday announced the first list of 20 candidates.

The BJP, which had bagged 21 seats in 2017, came to power for the first time, stitching together a coalition government with the support of four NPP MLAs, four Naga People’s Front (NPF) members, the lone Trinamool Congress MLA and an Independent member.

The Congress, despite emerging as the single-largest party with 28 seats, which was ousted from power after 15 years

The elections to the 60-member Manipur Assembly would be held in two phases on February 27 and March 3 and the counting of votes will take place on March 10.

ALSO READ-British scientists develop lab-in-a-backpack for Covid testing

Categories
-Top News India News

Manipuri activist, held for FB post, freed after SC order

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, for his part, requested the bench to list the matter for Tuesday. However, the bench did not budge and said the court will grant interim relief now itself…reports Asian Lite News.

Authorities in Manipur on Monday released activist Erendro Leichombam on the Supreme Court’s orders, two months after he was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) for his Facebook post criticising BJP leaders for advocating cow dung and cow urine as cure for Covid-19.

Officials in Imphal said that Leichombam, 40, was released from the Central Jail on Monday afternoon as a division bench of Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and M.R. Shah earlier on Monday ordered his release on or before 5 p.m.

Ruling that a person cannot be kept in jail even for a day for such an act, Justice Chandrachud said: “He cannot be kept in jail even for a day. We will order his release today.”

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, for his part, requested the bench to list the matter for Tuesday. However, the bench did not budge and said the court will grant interim relief now itself.

The bench said: “We are of the view that continued detention of the petitioner would be a violation of right to life and personal liberty under Article 21. We accordingly direct that the petitioner shall be released forthwith subject to interim directions of this court and subject to further orders.”

The court directed its Registrar (Judicial) to communicate the order to Manipur Central Jail for release of the activist before 5 p.m. on Monday. The counsel for the petitioner submitted that he would press for compensation at the next hearing.

The Supreme Court order came as it heard a petition filed by Leichombam’s father, L. Raghumani Singh, stating that the detention of the activist is a reprisal for his criticism against BJP leaders.

“Erendro, a Manipuri political activist, has been preventively detained solely to punish him for his criticism of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders for advocating cow dung and cow urine as cures for Covid,” said the petition.

Leichombam and Wangkhem Wangthpi, 41, (alias Kishorchandra) were initially arrested by the police on May 13 for their Facebook post on the complaint of BJP leaders.

On May 17, the day duo were granted bail by the Imphal Chief Judicial Magistrate, the Imphal West District Magistrate Th. Kirankumar, detained them under the stringent NSA.

The plea in the Supreme Court also said that Leichombam has already spent 45 days in custody for an “innocuous piece of speech”.

A complaint was filed against Leichombam by Manipur state BJP Vice President Usham Deban and General Secretary P. Premananda Meetei, accusing him and Wangthpi of posting “offensive comments” referring to the death of state BJP President Saikhom Tikendra Singh, who succumbed to Covid-19 at a hospital in Imphal on May 13.

Leichombam and Wangthpi had been arrested twice earlier on charges of sedition and for making various posts on social media against the government.

Leichombam, educated abroad, is the founder of the People’s Resurgence and Justice Alliance, a political party whose candidate in the 2017 Manipur elections included rights activist Irom Sharmila. He had also unsuccessfully contested the Assembly polls in 2017.

Rights activists and various Manipur-based organisations and elsewhere in the country had then criticised the government for “overreacting”.

ALSO READ-People frustrated, traders agitated with Covid curbs: Kerala govt in SC

READ MORE-Self-appointed Manipur Ministers in London Face Sedition Charges