Laangban Diary — Of Blockade & Its Side-effects

A troop of laangbangi angaoba leichil had a disheartened retreat under the command of its leader Mr. Laangbanjao. As reported by Mr. Naatrang, “Mr. Laangbanjao, he wore such a dismayed look as we crisscrossed our ways. I had waved him ‘hi’ but he did not even bother to wish back.”

On introspection, it has been narrated that the sight of long queues at the petrol pumps, had discouraged Mr. Langbanjao and his troop of angaoba leichil high, very high up in the sky.

Prices of daily commodities also keep on rising like esing echao for the last few days. We are obediently bearing the burnt of economic blockade which is currently imposed on the Imphal-Dimapur highway, which is also the lifeline of Manipur. Blockade has always scared us like hell and khoiren-masha paiba has been a classic reaction among our people.

Economic blockade imposed on any of the highways always had and has its side-effects. Petrol pumps suddenly run out of stock and inflation finds its glorified meaning. Beat the laangbangi omchaaknaraba nungsha, every Manipuri queues up at the petrol pumps from early morning till late evening.

A few social scientists recently conducted a thorough research on social behaviour of Manipuris. They have finally come up with the discovery of a new disease called Blockade Phobia. The syndromes of this disease include:
- Inability to eat or sleep properly until and unless the petrol tank of one’s vehicles is filled up. The related syndrome includes waking up early in the morning and the urge to go and queue up at the nearest petrol pump from one’s leikai. Under certain cases, the patient may have a tendency to visit the same petrol pump in the evening to fill up gallons of petrol to stock up.

- Another serious syndrome often observed among patients of blockade phobia is the kick of petrolpeneurship. Petrolpeneurship is a newly coined termed, by the social leipoong scientist. It is defined as the sudden desire of becoming an entrepreneur by investing on gallons of petrol and selling the same at an inflated price.

Criticized as an unethical means of entrepreneurship, Mr. Achumba, the president of All Manipur Maram Mokpa Association spoke, “We should not waste even a single minute to cure all the patients of such a disease. These patients, if not treated in time, can become a threat to many innovative businesses that are gradually evolving across the state. We need support from the sensible citizens of this khunai for a permanent treatment of such a disease”.

“The patients of blockade phobia and their oddities can have a disastrous impact on the impressionable young minds”, said Mr. Angaangjao.

He continued, “We should appeal to the concerned authority to come up with preventive measures to check this sandokanba leina as soon as possible”.

Meanwhile, Mr. Heipaasingba, the president of Heipaa Saajage Haiduna Houdokchaba Organization remarks, “There is an easy remedy to cure such a phobia. We should start adding ‘Blockade’ to the nomenclature—at least one member of our family can have the name. This way, we will get familiarized with Blockade in a more intimate way. This will ultimately help in erasing the general phobia of blockade”.

Citing an example he added further, “The expression ‘blockade laaktoure’ could have a double meaning; for example, Blockade laaktoure could mean a child called Blockade is returning from school as much as it could mean the possibility of an economic blockade to be imposed on any of the National Highways.”

Mr. Laangbanjao has sternly condemned the disheartened retreat of his leichil troop. From rumours, he has reportedly told his band, “I need an answer from the Ministry of Seasonal Affairs for such an illogical act or else we will also call for a blockade in the sky of Manipur”. As per our Lei-Ngao Thi-Ngao reporter, AFSPA is likely to be imposed in the sky of Manipur in order to put the situation under control. Jet fighters may soon arrive from mainland India.

Postscript Dear Leibaakchasing, let’s try to sneeze out the insanity and insensibility for a change ‘haakthi’! Daylight robbery has become a sort of entrepreneurial skill. What else could be the reason for the scarcity of petrol just from the announcement of a highway blockade—mind it, not from the blockade but just from its announcement — regardless of its senselessness? And here’s my siki worth question of the day-When are the agitators in the hills ever going to understand that their blockades have never affected the government, but rather this kind of protest has been only torturing the general people?

This article was published on 7 Sep 2014

Implement ILP System in Manipur

Manipur Masala presents a thought singju on the Inner Line Permit system in the state

A few days ago, a North Indian friend asked me over an online chat: “Why ate all the fuss about the ILP system in your state?” Of course, I told her the obvious.

I started, “Imagine the Manipuris are in millions and the Rajasthanis, in mere thousands. How would you feel when there comes a situation: all the Manipuris are starting to settle down in Rajasthan? We would not only consume all the available resources but also exhaust most of the available options of employment in every sector. Our population would keep increasing day by day while the population of the natives would decrease at an alarming rate.”

How lucky are those who do not have to go through the trials and tribulations of belonging to tiny ethnic groups! But my explanation, when I pressed the replied button was looking so lacking and so I continued.

“There would also come a time when you guys would not be able own land in your own land. On the other hand, we, the outsiders, will become the new property owners and landlords. We would also be running flourishing businesses at every nook and corner of your state. How would you really feel about that?”

She did not reply for quite some time. After a long pause, she finally typed, “Arrey yaar, aise kaise ho sakta hain?”

I shot back, “Aise hee ho rahe hain yahaan. ILP has become a major concern in our state. One day you may plan to visit me here but you would never be able to locate my home because it might be owned by some non-local then. That’s the probable situation, my dear. And that’s why we desperately need ILP in Manipur.’

My sweet friend empathised with me over the issue. She did understand the currents that have gripped our state over the last few days.

It took less than half an hour to explain about this issue to a non-Manipuri friend. However, it is disheartening to find out that our so called self-styled leaders are taking such a long time to understand the issue and implement means to empower it. Can they be this much insensitive about such a crucial issue? How do they represent themselves as our mapi-mapa when they do not pay any heed to any of our grievances?

The inhumane manner of thrashing students as if they are lamgi sha-sun is such a condemnable act. Do the police personnel understand the meaning of a human being? It seems not. I wonder who commanded them to thrash the students; perhaps they are just the most stupid stooges in the whole universe. Otherwise we know they would not even act, carry out even their own duty on their own. The students are demanding for ILP — for everybody — and not for not air-conditioned classes or swanky facilities at their schools and colleges.

The ILP issue is not meant for a particular community or locality. It is a common issue that, in my opinion, should tickle the conscience of each and every person in the state.

Closing down schools and colleges was definitely a kok yaodaba reaction from the government. A counter general-strike was neither a wise solution — though none of these is a surprise, if we look back and recollect the evergreen ad-hocism of the ruling government. There is a saying in Manipuri – Langnaradi nungduum waatey. However, during such a crucial issue pelting stones at each other is not the best thing we can do. We are supposed to have a common stand for both the government anf the governed on such an issue.

Chafu kairaga kwaakna haraowi. It is the high time we stop pleasing the so-called crows in question. Implementation of ILP in Manipur has nothing to do with the fear psychosis that the non-Manipuris will be excommunicated from the state. Frankly, it is not even a claustrophobic social reaction. ILP is not a China Wall to drive away the non-Manipuris from Manipur.

We need ILP to preserve and protect our land, to have a control on our economy, to build our business and most importantly to safeguard our cultural identity.

A linsu-siba-cheisusu-tektaba strategy would be a wise step from the government. If not, this issue may further aggravate and may probably become a predecessor of various other issues. Let’s stop stirring a tempest in a lai-khudeng. Let’s raise our voice to implement the ILP system in Manipur.

This article was published on 27 July 2014






...........................................................................................................
Readers have a lot to say on this issue. Some of the comments on the Sangai Express webpage is pasted below (Excuse the pathetic English):
...........................................................................................................

Then every state should start the same thing and manipuris should not be allowed to stay in any other state as in Delhi and south-India many are there. This will increase communal disharmony only.

Posted by Amit on 27-Jul-2014 at 07:02 AM

If the whole population of Manipur(say 27 lacs)migrated to UP which having population of 22 crores,the situation may not be alarming to UP.But when more than 5 lacs outsiders(Mayang) migrated to a tiny state like Manipur with population of 27lacs,only the situation is so alaerming,it threaten the ethnic identity,socio economic,cultural,traditional and political aspects of the indigenous ppl.Time to raise up,we owe to our students community for taking on the horns of stiff suppressive policy of state government.We should appreciate our students community.

 

The piece of sanatombi is an inspiring one,thanks for your contribution.A quote from Malala Yousafzai,a global icon ,only 17 yrs of age, take on Taliban head on in Pakistan in her age of 11,advocating education for girls."One child,one teacher,one book and one pen can change the world".In our age of social networking,we can thrive for implementation of ILP,to save us from being" extinct"Every citizen can contribute to his or her capacity,to achieve it.

Posted by Ibochou on 27-Jul-2014 at 09:03 AM

dear sanatombi angomcha, I must say..im a bit disappointed aftr reading ur article as it seems more lik a one sided argument. Can u pl eloborate? How do outsiders end up owing land in manipur? Was it by grabbing land or becoz it was for sale? If it was grabbed, yes., its criminal..but if they bought it fr the manipuri owner..doesnt it mean dat the previous owner had economical reasons for selling it..mayb becoz of the declining economy, he cudnt maintain da property n saw it more benificial to sell it? 

 

Den sudnt we focus more on how to improve the economy of the state?in dis case,ILPS will become a deterant to investment from outside. Secondly, u seem to b of the view dat we(manipuris) hav similar interest..is it true? What is da difference between a rich mayang n a rich manipuri?how is land owned by a rich manipuri going to be different?is he going to giv his house rent free? Ur assumption is dat it is better..so please eloborate. My understanding is dat a capitalist is a capitalist. Also..wont ILP play spoilsport in da growth of business? 

 

I wont go to mizoram or arunachal n invest in those states fr da same reason investors wont invest in manipur if ILP is introduced.and if I earn money from setting up a business in manipur with ILP in da state..I cant invest in land so il be taking the money out of the state..money wont come in from outside..so manipurs economy will not improve. Again, how did u assume dat the students r pro actively struggling for ILPS? Have u taken a poll to see who supports n who doest? Or even better..who realy understands the issue at hand? my experience tels me they r made to march by some 'student leaders' who jus barged into the classroom. These r young ppl wid limited understanding of the issue..n r being used as pawns..made to face the colonialstyle police n suffer physical injuries. We all want to contribute for the betterment of manipur but majority of the public stil do not understand in entirety, the issues related to ILPS. 

 

We form opinions besed on small talks n one sided articles in local media. I humbly request u to write another article explaining these in minute details. Infact..a pros n cons on ILPS will b extremely useful. We know that a thesis needs a strong antithesis for it to develop...consider my comment as such.

Posted by Jemjem on 27-Jul-2014 at 09:57 AM

@editor..is ther any seminar I can join to discuss and debate and improvement my understanding on dis issue?

Posted by Jemjem on 27-Jul-2014 at 10:01 AM

then why do we need to be pissed off with the racial crime in Delhi or Bangalore or Pune??? if you said so "Imagine the Manipuris are in millions and the Rajasthanis, in mere thousands. How would you feel when there comes a situation when all the Manipuris start to settle down in Rajasthan? We would not only consume all the available resources but also exhaust most of the available options of employment in every sector. Our population would keep increasing day by day while the population of the natives would decrease at an alarming rate,” then non-Manipuri would also say the same. My dear author, this is not all about non-Manipuri taking up your job or eating up your/our share, but its also the fault of Mr. and Ms. Manipuris who are damn lazy and who would love to act like BABUS...to me, we better clean our mess before u strike directly to non-Manipuris

Posted by Pathau on 27-Jul-2014 at 10:08 AM

Amit don't worry,don't panic,we know u hv ILP phobia,the word ILP is not comfortable for u ppl. Coz if ILP is implemented,ur game plan to overwhelm Manipur with Mayang,to turn Manipur another Tripura will be defeated.But most of ur fear is due to poor knowledge on ILP,I reiterate ILP didn't in any way prevent any one to entered and stay in Manipur,but you can't be settled permanently here in Manipur.The faltoo migrants will be prevented.Don't worry if we succeed in ILP,again we will work to implement ILP in other states of India too,then to other countries as well.Manipuris are broad minded.We will again demand ILP for world,after our job is completed......Ur ignorance is a crime not only for u but for ur family too...u look sikkim,nagaland,mizoram,arunachal where ILP is enforce,did their state prevent any outsiders from staying for specific purpose,for specific time?the ans is NO. But it prevent intrusion without purpose and permanent settlement.So if u think for permanent settlement in Manipur,ur worry is genuine,otherwise imaginary.@Manipuri,@Abhi Sharma etc who are descendants of Mahabharata Arjun may be a little worry coz they want manipuris to assimilate with Aryans Indian,in the name of global world,you may discuss ur future course of action to prevent it but I don't think they will succeed much.

Posted by @Amit on 27-Jul-2014 at 10:22 AM

 

Yes My friend Amit,we should start the same thing..Lets us drive out those Manipuris from each and every states..These people have been eating our jobs in Metro cities...ok,This is for sanatombi-isn't this a globalisation era??? Do we Non-Manipuri forcefully buy/owe land from you??? Isn't there thousands of Manipuri settel outside ur state,in there owned land??? And yes,this ILP is for a particular community,your people just seek easy money...Manipur is and always will be an undevelope state in India...and it shows the bad mirror to our whole NE states...continue with ur agitation,we will follow u,to implement ILPs in ours state too.

Posted by Abhi sharma on 27-Jul-2014 at 10:46 AM

 

@ Sanatombi, I appreciate your concern in preserving our beloved land,unique identity and culture. But you got it wrong here. Introducing ILP will not solve the problem. It will only serve the interest of the evil elements of certain sections of the society. Unless we learn to develop Cultural tolerance we will be left behind. How long do we intend to live in isolation from the rest of the country? We speak of racial discrimination in Cities outside Manipur but we're no less better. Living in isolation will only jncrease the regional imbalance. Isn't it time we come out of our cocoon and learn from other developing states? Your article may earn you some brownie points here in Manipur but your attitude has put all of us in a bad light. I understand exactly how your online friend must have felt about us. The union Government on 5th Dec 2013 rejected the demand for introduction of ILP in Meghalaya. The Home Ministry conveyed it was bound by Article 19 of the constitution which allows any Indian citizen to move freely throughout the territory of the Country. What hope do we have in implementing ILP? We will be better off by concentrating our energy towards other activities like reforming education system, Land acquisition laws and cultural development programs rather than blindly protesting and involving innocent students. Time to wake up!

Posted by #Concern Citizen on 27-Jul-2014 at 11:07 AM

 

Why asking introduction of ILP? Istead asked for revoking ILP cos it is already here during 60s, when , why and who lifted i don't know. We hill people still enforce and practice still now.

Posted by Kol Sempao on 27-Jul-2014 at 03:33 PM

 

@Abhis Sharma aka .... aka jemjem aka amit aka ....who told u ILP will be stumbling Block for outside investors?Don't post half knowledge,concocted,imaginary theories to mislead the people.Educate yourself before writing on any issues otherwise your hollowness will be exposed.Your comments revealed that you people know nothing on the plight of other NE states where ILP is enforcing.Do home work first.I will take up one small example to prove wrong on your contention that ILP prevent outside investment.Sikkim ,I think you may heard of this state,is a state where ILP is enforcing.Some portion of the state adjoining China are restricted and protected areas.You people know national and international companies are investing in hydroelectric projects,Teesta projects stage 1 to 4 are developing in sikkim.The stage 4 alone have the capacity of 1200MW which is 2nd largest project in India,if it is commission.

 

Teesta Urja,Gati infra,Neepco,NHPC are all working with promoters /developers include company from foreign countries.Apart from that Pharmaceutical companies like Cipla,Alkem etc have their manufacturing center in this state.Local wine liquor,beers ,India made foreign liquors ,manufacturing factories stay in this state.Besides, in tourism sectors too restaurants,cabs,lodging,other services are providing by non sikkimese .These are small examples to prove that ILP don't prevent outside investors.Again foreign and domestic tourists keep flowing throughout the year with visa on arrival and ILP permit issued without restrictions,but only to regulate and monitor the outsiders entry.Outsiders students studying in Manipal Tech institutions /ELAM universities etc.outsiders are working in Maanipal federal hospitals and other institutions.

 

Mainland traders and businessmen are doing their business.However those who are not State subjects are not entitled for voting rights,not allow to settle down,not get government jobs,not allow to purchase land,which protected the sikkimese aboriginal people.The same imply to other states too.I am just giving a Subjective and instructive example because classical examples will not go down well in your upper faculty,as I can anticipated from your comments.No hard feelings please.This truth may embarass you people because your sole intention was to assimilate aboriginals of Manipur with Aryan origin in due course of time thereby obliterate our identify from this earth since you are descendants of Arjun of Mahabharata.For God's sake please leave this issue to Manipuris alone.You Miyancha has no business here.

Posted by Ibochou on 27-Jul-2014 at 06:18 PM

 

what kind of language is this? either write in proper English or Meiteilon.

Posted by leima on 27-Jul-2014 at 06:42 PM

 

This is why I m truly shamed of being Manipuri. Bunch of cowards cowardice blah blah when they can't control their own family. Blaming their neighbors is their habbit. This is not democratic movement. Open up ur minds bros and sis, we're living on the same planet. Everyone has the right to live anywhere if they are worthy. If you wanna protect ur culture there are a lot ways to that. INP is the shortcut you think you found but that is wrong. Your shortcut shamed us. I m telling you this again and again, stop this cowardice.

Posted by Axxo on 27-Jul-2014 at 06:56 PM

 

Nice article! It is important to inform the public in this kind of emergency solution. It is not surprising though some people are talking about language like they are some PhD holders in English [Mathi fao khange!] Leave those hopeless puritans. But the issue is that we have to safeguard our own land. Amit & Co. must be some frustrated and useless Mayang who can do nothing but babble here. We are together for ILP! [Another moron cannot even say it properly INP - wtf is that?] The government must listen to the people's voice. Implement the system urgently! Haiyoom sidaba.

Posted by Khomba on 27-Jul-2014 at 07:41 PM

 

It is pursuasive and straightforward piece of work from sister Sanatombi.we may be apprehensive about the modus operandi of the ongoing ILPS movement but the demand per se is of utmost importance and a necessity also.unfortunatly,due to lack of publicity and hence awareness,its been misconstrued as a demand either to expatriate the nonmanipuris or to deny access to the state,we need to clear these misplaced thoughts.further we need to ask a few quetions to ourselves to clarify the utility and feasibility of the ILPS,even though we are guranteed by the constitution to move and travel and settle anywhere,can we really enjoy or is it really safegurd us?of course not.one may argue that so many manipuris are settle or live in other states.but where? and how much in terms of number and penetration?can we go door door to like the non locals doing right in our villages.again it may be put to question that the nonlocals are laborious than us.but its is not only laboriosness but also uncontrolled population due to lackadisical effort of family planning in the larger states.just imagine how there is such an alienating forces even in metros? everybody knows how large is our state.it s just like a district of a larger state,but such a tiny area of indian state is where we can be ourselves,whre we can preserve our culture.is this isolation?or does it goes against the multi culturalism ethics?or against the spirit of constitution? we are far lesser in number,economic clout,and politcal influence that a compltele cultural and demographic intercourse can dissolve whatever we have.then how will identify ourselves.here one possibility is if we can transform ourselves like the the most influntial Parsis.

 

Howesver it is not realistic.is this paranoidic,xenophobic,or ailing from inferiority complex?then are we superior in any way than the other ILP staates? if so in what ways?and by corollary are we better ably equipped to compete in every ecosystem with the outsiders,by this it doesnt mean ilps is a panacea for all the ills but it will be a major step which can regulate the .unchecked influx from anywhre.there needs to be some balance.we have to be secure ourselves not to become a second tripura.only then our future generation can feel secure and it will help healing ifestation of the millitancy.after that we can considerer other aspects of development.of course we need to be safe,we caanot compare ourselves more established societies.a little digression,just remember to get one and only historical Kangla how many years and how extreme forms of demonstrations needed while the great no. of rajput forts,dravidian and chola and etc etc attract protcttion and preservation not only by there architectural magnificence but histerical significance.is kangla less important?this is an example how the marginalised can face the imbalance and inequity in all terms until we reched a certain extent of maturirty and ability to stand ourselvesa in the face of greater forces.we seem to forget a capitalist like ambani have the ability to purchase whole of manipur!and thats why so many special clauses are inserted in the constitution to preserve the weaker sections and minorities. someone here expressed having a good doubt linking investment with ilps ipmlementation.then how many investments have so fer received without ilps in the last so many years.and why is it not possible to have special provisions for investments to attract under ilps .it is quite irrational to believe that settling by migrants to the extent of succeeding our little population would be any meaningful investment.ilps is neither xenophobic nor ultravires.example is our neighbours.only it needs courage to project the matter in a positive way to win support from all citizens.if its hazardous and unethical to involve the young students then let us devise it in other peaceful ways.lets write in national dailies.but it is not helpful being a cynic.

Posted by wecandoit on 27-Jul-2014 at 08:12 PM

 

@ibochou...what is wrong wid u? Ur analysis is totally wrong. U chose sikkim?..for ur example? i request the readers to pl read up on sikkims economy aftr reading dis.sikkim is a tourist haven.the ppl r friendly n welcoming. And in manipur, we hav YOU!! A tyre burning,racist,economics wizard..screaming.."mayang..mayang"..n reading my comment wid his eyes pooping out in his super fast p4 desktop n superfast internet. how can u say dat all the above mentioned investors will invest in manipur? If they didnt invest before ..why will they come n invest after ILP is invoked? Investors look for investment friendly regions to invest.Not a land wid ppl lik YOU!!! wat a donkey! Sikkim..sikkim. investors are lining up at mizoram n nagaland,yes?

Posted by jemjem on 27-Jul-2014 at 08:52 PM

 

Just as Bishnupuria meiteis who are bengali descendants claimed their rights as Meiteis with time. we the mainlanders can also follow through this way as a manipuri, because we are Indians. we are born and brought up in Manipur. friends! Please use sense in your thinking. As Indians we should embrace one another and have close interactions to share our oneness through cultures, traditions exchange etc. Even inter caste marriage can be encouraged as this will bond our wholeness spirit and build a strong nation. ILP is not the solution, why do you want a separate Act? Indian constitution under Article 19 has allow every indian citizen to move freely around the country. please stop this Stupidity and selfishness.

Posted by Ramesh on 27-Jul-2014 at 09:02 PM

 

I really appreciate Sanatombi’s article. The Indo-Pak war in 1970s led to the migration of huge amount of Bangladeshi refugees in Burma, Tripura, Assam and Manipur which totally changed its politics within few years. The influx of illegal migrants from Bangladesh, Burma and India has been continuing .We should stand together against such demographic invasion. ILP is not only to check the immigrant but also to register any outsiders entering Manipur. Tripura, Assam and Sikkim are the living examples of how migrants devour the indigenous populations. Manipur cannot be treated like other Indian States. We should remember how our government in 1947-49 was concerned for the implementation of visa system for the outsiders for entering the state. In the 19th century also the royal government of Manipur had an office at Lakhimpur which issued visa to the foreigners entering Manipur. [I guess even Jawaharlal Nehru and Rabindranath Tagore didn’t get visa to enter Manipur]. 

 

Although this system was completely independent of Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1874, we should look from that point of history. Now the immigrant issue becomes more serious with the opening of borders. The indigenous populations will disappear in few years with the opening of Trans Asian highways and railway in the state. The puppet government in Manipur cannot take any remarkable step means the influx of immigrant in Manipur is political in nature. We cannot simply treat it as mere influx but it has the nature of ethnic genocide. We should stand together against such Government sponsored demographic invasions. I wonder some of the casual opportunist Manipuris are showing reckless to the issue with baseless arguments. Listen, @ Axxo Naturally people are dynamic. They migrated from one place to another for better life. “We’re living on the same planet” is true but it is also true that we cannot visit any place in the planet without a stamp called visa…. "Let’s raise our voice to implement the ILP system in Manipur."

Posted by Wangam Somorjitsana on 27-Jul-2014 at 09:19 PM

 

@ Ibochou : You don't require ILP to go to sikim except for northen sikim because of the sensitive nature of the international border with china. Same thing applies to Ladakh also but now except some border areas ILP is withdrawn from ladakh for indians. @sanatombi : Iche sanatombi you have shown your class and intellect here.The population of parsi community is 69000 only and surviving the so called and dreaded onslaught by mayangs in a city like mumbai for centuries. Have you heard of Darwin? His survival of the fittest theory if you want to defy then why stop at ILP! ask for a reserve forest for manipuris like Jarawas or sentineles in andaman. My request is convince general jadumani to demand for a first reserve forest status for humans of manipur.

Posted by cupid on 27-Jul-2014 at 09:36 PM

 

@Ibochouba,It seems that u never have been out of ur Hut..sikkim does't has ILP system..And for ur kind ioformation PAP is not for we Indians...It is because of the chinese Line of control,connected to that particular area...since i a govt.servant,been to almost all the states in India...but none is corrupted as Manipur,u are drown in corruption,at the same time i Also Admit of my state corrupt too,but see the difference.U have nothing,expect spreading venom.

Posted by Abhi sharma on 27-Jul-2014 at 09:50 PM

 

Axxo Now you feel ashame to be a Manipuri,because there is a nationality to your bearing whether you like it or not ,a time may come for your descendants that nothing left for them to say ashame of.You moron got my point.If you are ashamed to say you are son of your mother then take anyone 's mother's name who are beauty,wealthy,powerful.Kick out your mom...you will not understand what is saying here,you may be wondering..ha ha ha...

Posted by @Axxo on 27-Jul-2014 at 10:14 PM

 

mieteis u ppl r not fit to led manipur...

Posted by neps on 27-Jul-2014 at 10:38 PM

 

@ Ramesh Article 19 (I) (d) and (e) gives freedom any citizens of India to move freely but it doesn’t give free right. I hope you are aware of article 19 (5) which provides that “ Nothing in sub clauses (d) and (e) of the said clause shall affect the operation of any existing law in so far as it imposes, or prevent the State from making any law imposing, reasonable restrictions on the exercise of any of the rights conferred by the said sub clauses either in the interests of the general public or for the protection of the interests of any Scheduled Tribe”. For the interest of the indigenous populations the Govt. should implement ILP under Article 10 (5) for restricting entry of outsiders to Manipur.

Posted by Wangam Somorjitsana on 27-Jul-2014 at 10:53 PM

 

Go for protest sittings at your local MLAs' residential gates. Never vote for anyone who don't consider ILPS serious. Start right from today. Start campaigning today. It's a matter of our own survival. Whatever our elected members decided is our decision coz they represent us legally in the eyes of everyone. So none can stop them. Go protest to your local MLAs. ILPS or No Vote! Let them take the decision.

Posted by xyz on 27-Jul-2014 at 11:14 PM

 

@Cupid@Abhi Sharma,again you show your hollowness and incomplete knowledge.Don't misled the readers with your hollow knowledge ,if you didn't know about the subject you admit it ,but don't bluff.Even if you bluff ,educated person will google search the tourism deptt.contact numbers and can confirm whether ILP system enforce in Sikkim or not.If you touch Sikkim you will find a place called Rangpo,Ok there the outsiders have to obtain ILP before entering sikkim.Sometimes there happens some mistaken identity that ppl from NE was mistaken as Sikkimist /NepaleseSikkimese police didn't ask for pass,but very cases.Whatever I wrote in my comments is after confirmation,not assumption or hearsay as you ppl do.check your facts.@Jemjem,I thought that you are a one who can be interactedd but I found that your upper faculty is not to working normally ,my reference of Sikkim is just to proof that ILP doesn't in any way prevent outsiders from investment,from entering,from staying,or doing business in that state,which I had mentioned repeatedly.I am not discussing the congenial and favorable factors for investment by outsiders in a state.That subject is a separate issue.Now your upper faculty can understand,got my point?I didn't think you can understand so easily.Now if you really get my point then tell,who is the real donkey?Sometimes I wonder how these ppl with hollow knowledge and even can't come to a logical conclusion started posting comments on such sensitive issues without having enough knowledge to substantiate their line of argument.Absurd!!!

Posted by Ibochou on 27-Jul-2014 at 11:24 PM

 

@ibochou.apologies for my harsh comments.i lost my cool.but after some deliberation i realised now dat u firmly believ in wat u profess. it is gud to debate on topics as sensitive as dis..as the consequence mite b critical fr several sections of society. as we can all see..this article has generated a lot of interest..we need to put it to gud use. my concern is dis. 

 

1.the issue of ILPS mite hav been raked up by vested interest. 2.since ILPS is a very sensitive issue,various political groups can spin it in anyway they want n da conservative sections of civil society will obviously support it n in da process..unfortunate incidents can take place. 3.the use of young students can result in casualties..even lost of young innocent lives.. 4.the vested interest can easily use dese deaths as an excuse to further the protest..even tho it was them who forced da students in da line of fire. 5.as our society already has hatred for the 'mayangs'..historical n cuz of afspa..they become easy targets. 6.the argument that ILP is a panacea fr manipurs problem is wrong. 7.assuming dat ILPS actually works..n saves manipur from being "overrun" by outsiders..n prevents it frm becoming another tripura..who will really benifit? 8.isnt it a gud thing fr outsiders to come n assimilate wid our culture..isnt dat growth?i met a sardar in dwarka,delhi..at a shop n he approached me n spoke to me in manipuri.. gave me great pleasure to hear him speak in flawless manipuri..in delhi..n he said he ws frm manipur. imagine dat.i felt proud..but here..we r screaming"mayang mayang" 9.it seems like anyone doubting da effectiveness of the ILPS demand is branded anti national...very similar to the mentality dat anyone not supporting Indian cricket team is anti national..or unpatriotic. 10.the incident is starting to look more like the MNS n shiv sena marathi movement..hence my apprehensions. 11.advocates of ILPS are getting more vocal..n therefore ready to pay any price..which scares me.no amount of debate can make them take a step back..n think. 12.the love for motherland is begining to be equated wid the hate for outsiders..a dangerous trend. 

 

@ibochou n everyone reading dis comment.it mite luk cool n patriotic n feel rt to be vocal abt ILPS..but if u put urself in the others shoe n imagine..isnt it scary..especially if u had made manipur ur home... well..i hav many more points to discuss but wil keep it fr later.. @abhi sharma..u sud share ur apprehension abt ILPS ..it will help us a lot.

Posted by jemjem on 28-Jul-2014 at 12:51 AM

 

@wangam somorjitsana, Please read over to understand properly. The Article 19 clause(5) has clearly define regarding the sub clauses of (d) & (e) of clause (1). If we go by the language used in it, it is quite noticeable that words such as any existing Law. This means any such Law must be currently in operation. Further Following line says reasonable restrictions to serve the interests of the general public, here again, we too belong as the General public, we have been residing in Manipur for many years. Protection of the interest of the schedule tribe, cannot be inclusive since Manipur is a land of various communities consisting of Muslims, Meiteis, Nepalese, tribals and Mayangs(a discord reference you love to call us) who are now making Manipur as their home, possessing lands and well establish business. Please put your sense in place, we cannot divide the nation in a myopic promotion.

Posted by Ramesh on 28-Jul-2014 at 01:08 AM

 

@ibochou..n yes,one more thing..in most of da comments posted..they seem to think dat all outsiders r in cahoot to overrun manipur. that it is der masterplan to b da majority in 10-20yrs in manipur by migrating in large nos. pl let the readers know dat it is not so. or am i mistaken here? Is der a grand scheme? if der is no such scheme...den it is likely that they r also jus ppl trying to look fr a way to survive..victim of economic circumstances..jus like everyone else.NOT the villians.

Posted by jemjem on 28-Jul-2014 at 01:29 AM

 

do we think india is a democracy country? yes y not than you can settle down anywhere,anyplace .think of ur family,fren,brotrs hu are staying outside.do they realy sopprt ILP in manipur.........MERITS N DEMERITS????????????????????

Posted by thanyui on 28-Jul-2014 at 07:30 AM

 

@Jemjem ,ur apologetic sense is appreciatedLook brother there r only two options b4 us.We have to adopt either of the two.Yes for ILP or No.If we consider NO,then we the Meeteis,(Our fellows hill area are already protected by statute)whose population nearly 15 lacs(lets say)only concentrated in small size imphal valley ,will be vulnerable to influxion on alarming proportion of migrants estimated to somewhere 5lacs.(1/3are immigrants).The proportion is so alarming,one has to accept the reality.(I too have many mainland friends,since I work in central government deppt.)However,if we,our generation,didn't wake up to the occasion,and do something to check the mass exodus,surely a time may come that the situation is out of hand,and we have little to do,that may cost dearly to our community.The ILP movement is nothing personal to someone ,say to Mr.X,Y or Z.The ILP is not unconstitutional,it is implementing in other NE states,too.A small population like Our greatly necessitates ILP to safeguard ourselves against the vast numbers of Indian population surging for 2billion.There is nothing anti Mayang,or against any particular community or individual,on ILP demand.I strongly feel ,drawn from all practical purpose,that it doesn't in any way prevent outsiders to land in our state for any purpose,for definite period of time,as required,but not settle down permanently,owning lands.I have stay and seen Nagaland,Tripura,Sikkim,Assam,and other mainland states (during course of my posting) and logically conclude that protectionists policy like ILP ,is very much necessary in Manipur ,for survival of Meetei,one may agree it or not. .....Again if we consider the option of Yes to ILP,then it is the only way we can protect and preserve our identity,against the present trends of influxion and lethargic attitude of Meeteis in general.I too have many "Mayang"friends ,I love some of them,but safeguarding our community is more important,and my love to them does not diluted .Nothing personal about it.There are some immature comments above who cannot even understand well on what is expressing in the write up of sanatombi.

Posted by Ibochou on 28-Jul-2014 at 08:59 AM

 

@ Ramesh…. I am highlighting Art. 19 (5) again “nothing shall prevent the State from making any law with reasonable restrictions in the interests of the general public.” So, implementation of ILP is constitutional. Whether the State should be read as Union of India or the ’state’ is questionable since the Union Minister Shinde very confusedly said that it is purely a state subject. Here the ‘general public’ can read as the people of Manipur…. you should be clear that people of Manipur means Meetei and all the indigenous tribes, not those outsiders ( mayangs/ Nepalese) who came to devour the original population after the abolition of the permit system or visa system in 1950…. You much have been aware of the ongoing public movement for the implementation of ILP which led to the closing of all the school/ college till today… this is a general public movement…..

Posted by Wangam Somorjitsana on 28-Jul-2014 at 10:10 AM

 

ILPS, inner line permit system is an important TOPIC for debate and discussion by one and all who considered themselves as indigenous tribe/people.In today's political scenario around the world,in particular well within the INDIA,to preserved and conserved the rich heritage of one's regional culture,language,tradition,political ideology,land resourse and integrity and demography is the sole and birth right of every individual of that particular region/state.we know nation building is ongoing process and a large subcontinent type nation like INDIA must deal with regional aspirations like (ILPS)through democratic negotiation rather than suppression.Regions together form the NATION,so regions must have a share in deciding the destiny of the NATION,if not the feeling of injustice and alienation can spread which in turned will go for secessionist movement.Regional imbalance in economic and development is a fact of INDIA'S growth story.

 

At the same time MANIPUR,TRIPURA and KHASI HILLS of MEGHALAYA were erstwhile princely STATE which mearged with india after independence.the economy of the entire NE regions were badly affected and distorted,and most of the regions underwent mojor demography changes mostly due to large scale influx of migrants and immigrants from other states and countries.in this situatin,regional aspiration is not an abnormal phenomenon.lastly,let us accepted that NE regions shares boundaries with CHINA,MYANMAR,BANGLADESH unlike other state of india and there is a great tendency of massive influx of immigrants.again,half the world's population growth occurs in just 06 countries china,bangladesh,pakistant,india,(Indonesia and Nigeria)out of these 06,our NE has been surrounded by three most populous country.as we know,poverty and state's economy are somehow correlated with large scale migration and is a matter of serious concerned for one and all to our core values of our existence.India is a large nation with huge number of large communities but the phenomenon of engulfing small fish by large fish will not be accepted, we know what to do and we will fight with tooth and nail for this common cause.influx really endangered the question of encroaching on our scare resources like land and there will be a serious threats to the employment opportunities to the indigenous tribals which still grappled with a tremendous amount of unemployment,next political power,very important factor to decide the future of our next generation.with these large current influx of migrants will reduce the indigenous MANIPURIS into a minority.so,in near future or next state assembly election you will see 30 seats will be occupied by the outsiders,you will be rule by outsiders at your own state till the time that you came to realized once we were under the colonial imperor of british,history repeat itself but this time we will not let it happened.so wake up my dear @Ramesh @jemjem and other stumbling blocks.ILPS is our sole right,when it happened to ARUNACHAL PRADESH, NAGALAND,SIkkim why not in MANIPUR.we respect every individual,but try to understand it is our sole and birth right in which we could stand at our own feet.....thank you all.

Posted by IROM on 28-Jul-2014 at 10:54 AM

 

@ibochou..thank you,i understand the logic behind the demand fr ILP. Everyone wants to contribute towards da preservation n continuity our culture. it is the method dat is in question here..becoz of the consequences involved in da equation. i feel that someone sud clealy address the concerns of da nay group. history is filled wid such moments..everywher in da world.we r not the first ..nor will b the last. if we read up on what happened to those movements..it wil b helpful. can u please address my corcerns..point by point..if possible. @all the proILPS readers. if all these apprehensions can b laid to rest..i firmly believ dat the demand fr ILPS will b stronger..n justified.

Posted by jemjem on 28-Jul-2014 at 11:04 AM

 

@jemjem,I can tell u only one thing to you.There are two types of persons,1.those person who always try to do things (read positive things)in one pretext or other 2)those person who always try not to do things in one pretext or other.Similarly....There are thousand ways not to do ILP,same time, there are thousand ways to do ILP,which way you go? The answer is yours to decide.If you have decided to do,then one doesn't necessarily need to accommodate all thousand ways of Opposite(not to do).Otherwise you can't take a decision and become a confused person.

Posted by Ibochou on 28-Jul-2014 at 11:51 AM 

 

 

Chaobinism: Defying Chauvinism

In our society most of the rules are formed, deformed and again reformed by the male lots. It’s always a Thoiba, Tomba or Chaoba’s world. For a Thoibi, Tombi or Chaobi, it’s a different tale to tell. In quite a devilling Hindu style, the bigger gender says, ‘Nupigi punsidi paap mayaamna yomaga poklakpani’. I ghastly wonder how those religious pundits ever dare to come to such a conclusion. How dare they!

Man-tastic chauvinism is a social trend that’s been observed for all these decades in almost every society including ours. Hence, a Thoiba, Chaoba or Tomba is metaphorically considered as a mani matum for his parents whereas a Chaobi or Tombi is — for the want of an appropriate word — a leibaak leituum? I have always been emotionally offended by such a mindset ever since I was a kid. I am still emotionally offended by such a thaak-nemba mindset. On moral or immoral grounds, when a son makes a mistake it’s ngaosinaba but if a daughter does, it becomes a great concern not just for the family but also for the entire saagei-naatei and keiroi-leikai.

World Cup for the Men and Beyond

In various cases, daughters are expelled to have their share of fun. To cite a simple example, hanging out somewhere or watching football or any game late in the night with friends would be unimaginable, if not it is odd or disgraceful for a girl. However, the same is a matter of ‘nupa thokpa’, a time for great celebration for the male lots.

I have in fact grown up in one such leikai where guys in groups enjoy late night football or any match over pegs of local booze and nganu/yen/oak thongba for maarinaba. I do not intend to culture a similar habit. But I would encourage the idea of a few leikai friends or even cousins hanging out together for a football match. Why should boys/guys have all the fun? This has been a major concern for me; not that it’s a matter of animosity towards the male lots.

Well, this would hopefully be the last time I would ever get a chance to watch World Cup leisurely from the comfort of my home. I know not how my nupamayum would be like but am damn sure no family would entertain their ‘mamou nupi’ watching football late in the night and waking up late in the morning. So that’s it?
Marriage, at least to me, seems like an artificial sterilization of a relation that is forged and forced to maintain for the rest of your life with some special clauses for the bride such as: ‘Thou shall abandon all the pre-marital hobbies. Thou shall adhere to the rules of waking up earlier than the morning birds. Thou shall under any circumstance fulfil the duties abound with the awunpot of thy luhongba’.

Gawd! I am already getting sick of these things already. I wonder if I would be able to religiously follow them all. Or should I start thinking about empowering ‘Chaobinism’?

Of Chaobinism and the Wind of Change

Earlier, the norm was set like this: the son has to earn while the daughter has to run the home. But things have changed over the years. Daughters not only run but also earn for the family. I know many friends and acquaintances, who financially support their families and at the same time run all the household errands. The rising number of such women and daughters, in my opinion, is a clear sign of progress, rather than a reply to the inflated mindset of man-tastic chauvinism in our society.

I have also come across many brave and courageous ladies who have misspelled the myth that ‘Nupa dangna paangal thokpa thabak touba ngami’. Consider the rise of Mary Kom, for instance. History is also the sole witness when it comes to the thouna-lingjel of Manipuri ladies. It would not be an exaggeration to state that the hand that once rocked the cradle also cracks many a rock just to support her family. Of late, the rising number of working ladies in both public and private sectors is more or less an implication that we have finally come out of the cocoon to face the world and pave our own ways.

Yes, it’s a clear sign of positive change. It’s the gradual phase of ‘Chaobinism’ defying chauvinism that has been rooted on our mindset for all these years and decades. The dictionary would never have a right place for ‘Chaobinism’ but who cares? We are ready with the change though we know male chauvinism will prevail as always. We are going with the flow of the times that are changing. No matter what, it is as much a Thoibi or Chaobi’s world as much as it’s a Thoiba or Chaoba’s world.

This article was published on 15 June 2014.

Lucrative Job Openings for All & Sundry!

Who says there is a dearth of job opportunities in our state? There are many consultancies that have been providing employment for the job seekers. Earlier, there was a trend of networking through which many individuals became lakhpati or crorepati within a few months. At present, there are many emerging consultancies who promise employment opportunities to a wide range of job seekers from the state.

Under the aegis of Thok-Mok Job Consultancy Services, the following posts are currently available for various candidates from different walks of life. Thok-Mok Job Consultancy Services is one of the (non-existing) consultants based in Imphal. Successfully training and recruiting various thou-leitabagi thou thibada waaraba lots in our society, TMMJCS is expanding its wing across the state in due interest of culturing an anti- tangdu-leitaba khunai.

Thouleitabamayum Maloti, H.R Manager TMMJCS, states “We want to contribute our bit in providing employment opportunities to various job seekers across the state. We currently have job openings for some profiles. I am sure many job seekers will be excited about these openings”.

As per the official notice from TMMJCS, the following posts are currently available.

1. Name of post - Moral Police Executive (M.P.E)
Number of vacancies to recruit- 50 & more

Roles and responsibilities

• The M.P.E will be solely and strictly responsible to take part in various moral policing activities that are currently becoming a trend in our society. The main role of an M.P.E is to instruct and direct his or her sub-ordinates in various restaurant drives that are continuously conducted across the city. The job profile for an M.P.E will be suitable for those who love meddling up with everyone or anyone’s affairs.

Educational Qualification

• Should be a B.A/M.A but prefer those who have completed or are pursuing their Phd in Moral Science

Work Experience

• At least five years experience of participation in various restaurant drives across the city.
• Ahei apaa saaba candidates who have an incorrigible attitude can also apply.

Communication skill

• Should be good in rowdy and hoarse communicative skill.
• Fresher(s) who are open to learn ‘khonda haotaba’ will also be considered. Training will be provided by various lai-hori and chinganba/bi trainers.

2. Name of the post - Mob Justice Executive Officer (M.J.E.O)
Number of vacancies to recruit- 100 & more (if situation demands)

Roles and responsibilities

• The M.J.E.O will be fully responsible to organize a roaring maddening crowd during an unwanted incident. S/he should have the ability to mis/lead the crowd and mis/guide them to execute various un/wanted actions that include destroying the house of the culprit of any XYZ crime, beating up the culprit black and blue etc. Candidates who have experience in leikaigi mee-funaba will also be given a chance to hold such a challenging post.

Educational Qualification

• Preferably M.A.B.Fs (Matric Appeared But Failed). Since this job profile does not require much logical thinking or judgement, higher educational qualification is not necessary for the candidate. Those who have “I can do it” attitude are eligible to apply for the post.

Work Experience

• 2-3 years experience as Urao-Tharao Laoba Commander on high-school or college level.

Form submission, interview & miscellaneous

Forms are currently available at the office of TMMJCS for the above mentioned job openings. Please note that there won’t be any last date of form submission for the above posts. The recruitment for M.P.E and M.J.E.O will also be held throughout the year. As for the interview, the candidate can turn up at our office everyday between 9 A.M and 9 P.M. We provide a flexible timing for all the candidates and that’s one of our USPs.

This article was published on 13 July 2014

 

Fairen Diary: Of Blockade Phobia & Its Syndromes

Clarification In today’s paper edition of the Sangai Express, the headline has been retained in the column but it has the content of one of my previous articles. Inconvenience is regretted. -Manipur Masala, 23 Feb 2014
 
A troop of fairen thagi angaoba leichil had a disheartened retreat under the command of its leader Mr. Fairenjao. As reported by Ta Basanta, who is soon to arrive in a few weeks’ time, “Mr. Fairenjao, he wore such a dismayed look as we crisscrossed our ways. I had waved him ‘hi’ but he did not even bother to wish back.”

On introspection, it has been narrated that the sight of long queues at the petrol pumps, a few days ago, had discouraged Mr. Fairenjao and his troop of angaoba leichil high, very high up in the sky.

With the news of an impending blockade, khoiren-masha paiba was the immediate reaction among our people. The petrol pumps suddenly ran out of stock and inflation found its glorified meaning.  For a few days, every Manipuri queued up at the petrol pumps from early morning till late evening.

Afew social scientists conducted a thorough research on social behaviour recently. They have finally come up with the discovery of a new disease called a Blockade Phobia. The syndromes of this disease include:

- Inability to eat or sleep properly until and unless the petrol tank of one’s vehicles is filled up. The related syndrome includes waking up early in the morning and the urge to go and queue up at the nearest petrol pump from one’s leikai. Under certain cases, the patient may have a tendency to visit the same petrol pump in the evening to fill up gallons of petrol to stock up.
- Another serious syndrome often observed among patients of blockade phobia is the kick of petrolpeneurship. Petrolpeneurship is a newly coined termed, by the social leipoong scientist. It is defined as the sudden desire of becoming an entrepreneur by investing on gallons of petrol and selling the same at an inflated price.

Criticized as an unethical means of entrepreneurship, Mr. Achumba, the president of All Manipur Maram Mokpa Association spoke, “We should not waste even a single minute to cure all the patients of such disease. These patients, if not treated in time, can become a threat to many innovative businesses that are gradually evolving across the state. We need support from the sensible citizens of this khunai for a permanent treatment of such a disease”.

“The patients of blockade phobia and their oddities can have a disastrous impact on the impressionable young minds”, said Mr. Angaangjao.

He continued, “We should appeal to the concerned authority to come up with preventive measures to check this sandokanba leina as soon as possible”.

Meanwhile, Mr. Heipaasingba, the president of Heipaa Saajage Haiduna Houdokchaba Organization remarks, “There is an easy remedy to cure such a phobia. We should start adding ‘Blockade’ to the nomenclature—at least one member of our family can have the name. This way, we will get familiarized with Blockade in a more intimate way. This will ultimately help in erasing the general phobia of blockade”.

Citing an example he added further, “The expression ‘blockade laaktoure’ could have a double meaning; for example, Blockade laaktoure could mean a child called Blockade is returning from school as much as it could mean the possibility of an economic blockade to be imposed on any of the National Highways.”

Mr. Fairenjao has sternly condemned the disheartened retreat of his leichil troop. From rumours, he has reportedly told his band, “I need an answer from the Ministry of Seasonal Affairs for such an illogical act or else we will also call for a blockade in the sky of Manipur”. As per our Lei-Ngao Thi-Ngao reporter, AFSPA is likely to be imposed in the sky of Maninpur in order to put the situation under control. Jet fighters may soon arrive from mainland India.

Postscript: Dear Leibaakchasing, let’s try to sneeze out the insanity and insensibility for a change ‘haakthi’! Daylight robbery has become a sort of entrepreneurial skill. What else could be the reason for the scarcity of petrol just from the announcement of a highway blockade—mind it, not from the blockade but just from its announcement — regardless of its senselessness? When are the agitators in the hills ever going to understand that their blockades have never affected the government, but rather this kind of protest has been only torturing the general people?

Corruption & Insurgency - A Combo Pack for Manipuris

We have a modern sense and understanding of things. We have tech-support. We are connected to the rest of the world within seconds. The world is on our finger tips. We see many swanky cars in our localities. We have many geniuses from multiple fields. There are just so many things we can boast about, except a liveable place to survive and sustain.

Hola! Welcome to the brand new Manipuri society where corruption and insurgency are the best ever combo packs for every Manipuri. Be a police and get rich. Be a revolutionary and get rich. Be one of them!

Corruption is like a bottle of whiskey in a room full of thirsty teetotallers with no other brew to quench their thirst. They do not have an option but to end up drinking it. First, they hate even the very thought of trying it. Later, out of their thirst, they change their mind and think about giving it a try. After the trial peg, they got the kick that they never had and they, kind of, enjoy it. After the second peg, things do not remain the same. The kick gets ‘higher’, and they become wilder. This is just an exemplified understanding of how corruption becomes addictive among most of the bureaucrats in every system including ours.

We have more than enough eligible officers in the system who can collectively transform it. But it’s quite a risk bearing task. Things will be topsy-turvy, their careers may even be at stake. So, they have only two options – to resist and bear with a hell lot of frustration or to surrender their conscience and self-respect. And as we know, most of them prefer to choose the latter for reasons that need not further exaggerate.

As for insurgency, it is a never-ending discussion. We can be proud of the very fact that many of our folks have innovative ideas (a hell lot of them). The hurdle is how to implement those ideas in one such place where owner-less bombs and bullets would play ‘dhampa-espaait’, sans a defined playground. A bomb can surprise anyone anytime, anywhere with a banging ‘dhampa’ on the way while one is driving back home or when one is leisurely enjoying a cup of tea at one’s own maangon or shumaang. We have no clue where all these bastardised bombs and bullets come from. At times, we would wonder if there is a secret bombs and bullets’ factory right in our ‘Awaanglom’ or ‘Makhaarom’ leikai. Though that would not be a plausible discovery, we could at least congratulate the CEOs of those factories for their insightful venture.

Imagine things were a little different. Imagine there were good colleges for our students. Imagine there were good employment facilities for our youth. Would they ever prefer to leave their sweet homes for better education or employment opportunities in different places across the globe? Eight out of ten would say they would love to stay at home. They stay out of Manipur as they are compelled to do so. Never mind, the you-do-it, so I do-it-attitude. The remaining 2 are categorized under amateur travelers who love exploring new places. They, however, have the same yearning feeling to return back home — a place where their hearts are.

Too much imagination can affect our already disturbed mental peace. So, let us keep wondering, discussing and brooding on all the issues. Let us share our opinions. Let us also not forget to share our opinions on crucial issues like AFSPA and insurgency. It’s more or less the question of who comes first – the hen or the egg. Some opine that insurgency is the main reason why a draconian act like AFSPA has been imposed on our society. While some others opine that AFSPA is a step-motherly treatment of Indian system in our society as a result of which insurgency rules the roost in the state.

Let the interesting discussions continue. Let more intellectuals share their valuable opinions. As for the mapaamgi chaaksu chadaba, mawagi chaaksu chadaba types like us, it is a wiser option to remain as some keen observers. The crore-dollar question about who will change Manipur is perhaps a siki-worth question inspired by the fable – then again who will bell the cat? We are the rats, let us silently enjoy our share of stale cheese and let all the fat cats enjoy their milk served in expensive bowls.

This article was published on 28 April 2013

Switch Off the Frenzied Show of Rapists, Murderers and Morons

Can you imagine a world without men? No crime and lots of happy fat women.
—Nicole Hollander.

I cannot help agreeing with Hollander. I cannot help imagining a men-free world where women rule the roost and roam anywhere and freely sans any fear of getting molested, raped, tortured or killed. Of late, we are nauseated by too many news of girls getting molested, raped, tortured or killed.

A few months back, the molestation case of an actress from the film fraternity disturbed our sanity. As usual, we protested and raised our voice. Some got hurt in the protest; one lost his life. And after a few weeks, the news of that case became stale. No one ever gives a damn about what or why it happened. We were temporarily very mad and angry. We showed what we could do and dusted away our hands. And that’s it. It was just another case.

Repeated dose of insanity

After a few months, a more gruesome case again perturbed our sanity. This time, it was a case of murder so we were more fumed. A research fellow was murdered, her face and arms charred. After finding the culprits, we could not help but resort to violence. We burned down the homes of the accused persons and proved what we could do. In a few days or weeks, the story is going to be dumped like an officially unwanted file. The short public memory is just too much sometimes.

The rest is ‘kana khangjabano’. We think we are doing our part by calling bandhs and burning down the homes of accused persons.

We might as well give the judgment and send them directly to jail. Some of us would even want to execute them. The deliberations on capital punishment across the world would enter only one side of our ears. We know exactly what happens to the other side!

Everybody hurts

Many probable factors create gender-biased chaos in our society. I can name one distinctly.

Technology (sans any sense of civilization) is one of the factors we can consider. Technology has transformed our lives with so many innovative tools and toys. Sometimes I wonder if technology is taking a toll in our lives. It seems that we have chosen technology over other basic needs, like education and civic sense, which are more essential to reconstruct our society.

To cite a laitrik-laiba example, it does not matter if one is a Matric failed or a double PhD. Yet, it matters a lot to one’s reputation if one does not have a smart phone. I earnestly believe that mobile phones have done more bad than good to us.

The recent case of Satyabhama is one fine example to cite. For a lady who had been having a decent career, she could not help; she was going out with a guy, who was indulging in fake identity, thanks to the mobile phones. There are perhaps many similar cases like Satyabhama’s that are secretly stored like skeletons in the closet. Maybe, we would never know about them.

I have come across thought-provoking remarks by friends and acquaintances on fighting for our causes in a more realistic manner. I do consider the realistic ways (if there is any). But as far as I know, there is no such thing like a realistic or virtual way when it comes to share your opinions with your fellow beings about a cause or issue.

As for the so called revolution, we don’t need armed crusaders to bring a change in our society. We don’t need to elect a particular leader to lead a revolution. We must first understand the real meaning and sense of what a revolution is.

The politics of phanek and khudei

Empowering the fairer sex is one of the crucial steps we can take. My understanding of women empowerment might be different from others. Women empowerment, in my opinion, does not mean competing with men or feeling superior to them. We do not need to do much to empower women as such. We can start by changing our age-old psyche like ‘Shumaang matonda fanek fouba touheide’.

All we need is a society where women can dress, speak, act, as they want to; a society where women are not considered as mere child producing machines or bed warmers; a society where phanek is equally treated as a khudei.

If we start preparing our mind for at least some of these basic stuffs, we need not waste further time articulating on women empowerment and related issues. All in all, let’s switch off the frenzied show of rapists, murderers and morons.

This article was published on 21 April 2013

An Impractical Thought Salad

In one of my earlier columns, I talked about how it is important to change ourselves and our family, before we even think about it at a societal level. Let me amplify a little bit more on this topic. My thought on this matter, closely resembling a salad, would sound impractical to many, but I cannot help resharing it.

We have this saying: ‘Khuta pairingei etaogi, yaada hukle echagi, kuut yotle eigi’. This is more than enough to conclude how we are, naturally, a selfish being. We must admit it. As they say, if you accept your fault, you find lesser reason to commit another mistake in the future. With these practical theories and applications of psychology, let us restate we must learn to unlearn what we have learned by mistake. This is the first step we can take to change ourselves.

Now, let us take a look around. Domestic problems, just to take an example, are a front-page news in our society. Rivalry among siblings over petty matters like ‘ingkhol’, ‘mou masel khatnaba’, the classic ‘manem-mamou yaanadaba’ and of course, the various cases of adultery are almost suffocating. It is unbelievable how siblings took to arms just for a petty issue over ‘ingkhol’. How much change should we expect in such a society?

Nowadays, ‘sambal khaabi’ or ‘chekpal chansinbi’ is the order of the day. These days, finding a big ‘kolup’ of amiable families in Imphal area has become a matter of surprise. Forget the ‘kolup’, for personal and security matters, walls are even created among siblings. They know that these walls, physically and emotionally, bar them from one another, yet they do not hesitate building them higher.

I would cite it as one of the examples of a disintegrating society where love, respect and mutual co-operation cease to exist even among the siblings. Ironically, such families congregate together to form a leikai, which is another important section of our society.

Coming to the societal representatives, most of us know that there are various categories of babu-sahebs and the pseudo activists in our society, who talk so loud and big about bringing changes. All I know is that they do not bring any change so far but bundles and bundles of notes for themselves. Interestingly ironical!

Some of them are the big shots – the engineers, doctors, thikadaars, they are the talk of the town, while some of them the adorable lots for the public who (seem to) contribute their best to the welfare of the society (or at least they think so).

It is really tough to differentiate a ‘thikadaar’ from an activist and vice versa. The nature of ‘thika’ may differ but as they say, you call a spade a spade. ‘Thika’ is always ‘thika’ no matter which ‘thika’ it is about.

Be it the equally influential contractor or the activist, I cannot digest their double standard in their own personal matters. Some of them are cheap hypocrites who never give a damn about their own families. They talk about the welfare of ‘ema-eben’, while their own moms, wives and children are completely ignored. They would meddle up with the domestic affair of other homes. Their homes are, on the other hand, the classic examples of broken families.

I will relate a personal experience in this regard. I once went to Brindavan during my college days. It was the month of ‘Waakching’. We took shelter at Radha Kund. As compared to Ahmedabad or Delhi, Uttar Pradesh was freezing cold then. While we were strolling around Radha and Shyam Kund, we came across an Abok who was begging money on the street. There were many Aboks out there, but this one caught our sight. She did not even wear a sandal or warm clothes and was shivering. I questioned myself if religion is meant to torture oneself for no logical reasons. That was the very year in which my ardent fascination with Hinduism almost had its uncanny end.

No religion should encourage its followers to practice self-torture. It was more or less a self-torturing experience trying to find solace in the abode of the gods, loitering around in torn clothes on a freezing cold winter morning. Ironically, the sadhus and pandits worship in the most comfy way. Room heaters for winter, and air conditioners for summer – not a bad mode of worshipping, eh?

Coming back to the point, on being inquired, we found out that the abok’s son is one of the famous chief engineers in Imphal. I did not want to know who that engineer was, what appalled my heart was the sight of that old lady clad in torn clothes begging in the streets of Radha Kund. She came to Brindavan for a holy trip but was later abandoned by no one but her own family. By now, she must have already left for her heavenly abode but my heart still pains, thinking over how she might have cursed her own suffering days.

We desperately need some ideas and actions. Respecting the elders, shredding the greed of power and money (and ‘ingkhol’, of course), destroying the wall of misunderstanding and hatred among fellow beings, cherishing good relationship with one’s members of the family and bothering only about one’s own business. I believe, we can at least start with all these just for a trial or a beta version. Let us try if we can really do it. If we successfully fail, things will always be the same. So why bother?

This article was published on 24 Feb 2013

Tips on Christening a Nameless Revolution!

Most of us consider it fun or a mere means of passing time talking and discussing on this and that issue. The nasty truth is most of us do not want to meddle up with anything at all. We try to sound as if we are so concerned about the deep rooted, day-by-day burgeoning issues in our society. However, when it comes to ground reality, we do not want to get involved in any messy situation. We hammer our keyboards trying to share our opinions and grievances. And that’s all we do or can do. Internet is the fastest medium of communication in today’s world. I agree. However, when we want to fight for a serious cause, we cannot rely on Internet. One should clearly read the lines between a medium and the strategies of fighting for a cause.

Let me share an experience. As an advertising professional, I have learned various tricks, tips and tactics about successful branding. In advertising, the first and foremost strategy to implement is to define the target group or customer to whom the brand communication is going to target. An advertising campaign that does not have a defined target audience is like shooting in the sky sans any aim. It may randomly hit a bird, it may not. Taking a chance sounds fun, but it does not make sense when you are dedicated to give your best shot in your career. Let us co-relate this simple idea. Most of us are frustrated and sick of the system. We raise our voice against this and that issue, but most of the time our grievances are unheard or unquestionably ignored. We are so far used to dumping one issue over another basically because we know not whom we are really targeting our grievances at. I believe one can so far build a big mansion out of the dumped issues that have been continuously buried.

Heinabi and mawong maalhanba are perhaps the two best vocabularies that define a chronic attribute of our people. We know the system is infected with an incurable disease. Are we not infected with a similar disease? If we say politics is a nasty game, are we not a part of it? Politics brews in every single family. Diplomacy is the art mastered by each one of us to settle various personal or professional matters in our daily lives. The system is doing the same. It’s more or less a tit-for-tat norm. Good begets good, bad begets bad. The cookies have always crumbled like this. Nothing is shocking when one admits that the cookies will keep crumbling this way in the future too.

So, does this mean we cannot expect change in our society? Well, I believe change is possible only when you are willing to change. The first and foremost step of bringing change in our society is to reform oneself. If each one of us believes in self-reformation, if each one of us starts self-questioning on what one can do to improve the condition of the society, change will perhaps come naturally. If a family is the smallest unit of a society, why don’t we start it right from our families? Let us stop preaching, let us start following what we have been preaching most of the time. Set yourself as a living example of someone who does not resist any ill-doing. We are pretty good in giving advices of all sorts. But the million dollar question is whether we have ever bothered to follow what we have been telling others to do? There are many activists in our society who do many encouraging things for the society but at the cost of ruining their own personal lives. They talk about this and that right, preach many motivating ideas here, there and everywhere. But when it comes to their own personal lives, things are murky and perhaps silently understood. In my opinion, that’s where one of the major causes of some of the social issues lies.

The pot calling the kettle black sounds not funny anymore. Let us start sweeping our own shumaang before we try to mess up with others’ shumaangs. ‘Chafu kairaga kwaak na haraowi.’ It is up to you how you save your chafu from getting broken. Nonsense makes a lot of sense in our society. We love dyeing our mind with the united colours of hatred, gossip and what not. Why cannot we infect our mind with progressive thoughts? We don’t need to do anything special for the society. If we mind our own business, trust me, problems will find a tough route to make an ugly entry in our families and society. The ideal type of revolution that we have on our mind has so far been nameless. Why don’t we christen it with an unbiased name? Would that be really tough? Or am I, as usual, expecting the impossible to happen?

This article was originally published on 10 Feb 2013

The Times of Manipur

Alright NASA has predicted a total blackout on 22nd, 23rd and 24th of this month. My concern, however, is whether we need to bother if the world is coming to an end this year or not?

If we look into the list of issues and incidents that continuously bog down our state, we need not be scared of the world coming to a dead end. And the reason or rather the ugly truth that authenticates this view is a simple logic.

In our state we are so far used to celebrating (yes, celebrating) many blackout days. A fragmented society that ours is, it has become a serious habit for us to lead our lives lamenting and celebrating at the same time. For an idea we can find the truth in the list — bomb blasts, blockades, bandhs, fairs and festivals, all round the year, all of them in a complete package that we made of.

We yawn every time we hear something about corruption or kaang khong chaiba state of affairs. It is nothing surprising for us to come across news related to corruption or a chaotic political situation day in and day out. Corruption for our state machinery is more of its spinal cord. Those who have the nerves to attach themselves to it get benefited. Otherwise, no further comments.

Well, it’s not a different fact that ours is already an infected system. And we are in lack of a good socio-medical support team or political-environmentalists to cleanse the system. It is therefore just sheer stupidity to even bother about cleansing the system.

I would like to compare the situation with that of a heavy chain smoker. The chain smoker knows that continuous smoking can harm his lungs and yet he cannot simply give up smoking. It becomes rather habitual getting used to smoking every day. Likewise, those who are part of the system know they are not doing the right thing but they cannot simply help. They get so used to corruption, they get used to the filth and dirt that have been polluting the machinery for all these decades.

It’s true that most of them once dared to talk so daring and bold about the issues that affect our lives. Some of them even did it at the cost of getting unasked brickbats. But once they become a part of the system, they mind their own corrupted business —‘esha esha soidraga loire’ — what else can we expect for?

As a matter of fact, I would not be less amused if I ever come across a high-ranked official admitting, ‘Paisa chaajagay nabu sarkaargi thabak touribani’. And trust me, I would not even blame him or her because one follows the norms that are meant not to be followed. And those who know not how to follow the norms get fooled and are tagged as losers or an abnormal individual.

For the thou-leitaba lots who want to introspect the current times of Manipur, many ugly truths are found smartly concealed here and there. It is like ‘Yenakhada amot akai peisinba’ while the shumang shines and glitters during a particular occasion at one’s home. We know how filthy the home is when we have a look at the yenakha, otherwise, we see what we believe from the surface; or should I say shumang again?

We do not want to cleanse or get clean up; we are only good at blame games. We keep on polluting every place and space because that’s what we are good at. I would love to address the role of ‘Ema Manipur’ as that of ‘Chaayaam pokpi mamagi dassa’ — of her inability to waarak watemba her children.  It’s funny to admit but yes if we cannot admit or identify our fault, we must find someone to blame. In that case, we can blame (the never existing) ‘Athouba, athoubi, mapaari, mamom kaya pokpi Ema Manipur for everything. Sounds politically correct as well, right?

Well, if the world does not end this year and if we live long enough to see our grandchildren in the future, we must be really ashamed to tell tales about the current times of Manipur.

We have grown up listening to our favourite funga waari and many historically nostalgic stories of their times from our Buboks and Edhous. Most of the stories we had heard as kids have had their own morals.

I feel seriously sorry for our grand children from the future for whom we have hardly any good, encouraging stories to narrate. Perhaps we can weave a few (not so interesting) stories from the bandhs, blockaes, bomb blasts, never ending list of festivals and melas and so on from the present times of Manipur. Do we even have an option?

This article was published on 16 Dec 2012

A Frantic Search for Wangkhei Phee

Beauty is contagious. So is it evident in the intricate artwork of the Wangkhei Phee. Its origin can be traced back to those of Mama-Shija Leisaringei days. A saagei abok right from our kolup, (late) Akoijam Ningol Anabi, is credited for introducing the Wangkhei Phee. It might have taken an artistic ingenuity to design and weave the first of such a fine and delicate piece of cloth.

In the early days, older folks narrate Waikhu Matha and Thaangjing Tangkhai were two of the most popular designs; other designs followed sporadically. In the world of handloom and handicraft, Wangkhei Phee has found its niche, winning the hearts of connoisseurs and designers alike from across the world. However there is a catch.

Of late the trend of weaving as well as wearing the Wangkhei Phee is becoming out of fashion. When we were kids too, almost every household in our locality had a yongkham, the weaving machine, and at least one female member of the family was adept in making the finest Wangkhei Phee. But the times they are a-changing. There might be reasons, of course, for this downfall. Yet whatever these are, we can see there is a great chance of Wangkhei Phee sinking into oblivion in the near future, if the present trend continues.

No wonder the number of Wangkhei Phee weavers has drastically decreased in the last decade or so. I did a little survey on this issue and found a couple of reasons. Most of the weavers are simply not interested to weave and keep its tradition alive. Now the potential customers are going for the cheaper, though beautiful alternatives that are available galore in the market.

Another obvious reason is the demise of the pioneers of this type of garment. Most of the skilled weavers have also gotten married and are running errands, earning a livelihood from a better means. Also some of them have got other opportunities of employment.

Weaving is quite an art. However, pursuing it as a lifetime occupation is not an artistic endeavour, but literally a pain in the back for many weavers. So, most of them prefer to opt for an easier career option that does not require long hours of sitting, bending and weaving. Earlier, there were a few means of earning income for the unmarried and married women in our society. Weaving was, thus, one of the easiest means to start earning a livelihood. But the situation is different now.

At present, for some keen weavers who want to culture this practice, weaving is a passion rather a preservation of a precious art. They make it a lifelong passion and strive to pass on their skill to the younger generation. Thanks to them. But for the major chunk of weavers, who used to take up weaving as a means of earning a nominal income, they lost interest in it once they have a better means of income. Needless to say, most of the skilled weavers seem to have taken a collective resolution not to pursue their weaving interest these days.

With wedding season round the corner, young and old have started importing Mayaanglamgi Phee. A friend’s wedding is scheduled in the last week of this month. I asked my two sisters about a decent Phee to wear on this occasion. They suggested a lot of options – Jhamaki Thinbi, Lighti-Fitting types and all.

I feel sorry for them who are spending only on the export-quality products, while doing away with the original and aesthetically pleasing Wangkhei Phee. An appreciation of alien beauty is ubiquitous at the cost of losing our own culture and identity. Well, it’s not their fault either. That’s the hard-to-digest, yet prevailing reality.

We are not keen to preserve what we have and what is ours. We are stingy enough to buy a locally woven piece of garment but when it comes to a swanky piece of imported cloth from a different region, we do not mind emptying the pocket. The expression ‘Lamgi Sun-na Machi Saang E’ has found new meanings.

I hardly have any suggestion; neither has it been clear whose attention we have to draw in reigniting an interest of weaving among Wangkhei weavers and those from elsewhere. But I’m planning to dig deeper and find a few more details about Wangkhei Phee and other types of garments that were once popular in Kangleipak. Beauty is indeed a joy forever and it is found abundantly in these kinds of clothing. My frantic search for ‘Wangkhei Phee’ and its weavers is a reason to spread the beauty. This hunting can also be a reason to be ridiculed by many people from our modern society — the so-called ‘Standard Ta Netpa Kaang-goo’. But I can ignore their cynicism for I’m used to it. Que sera sera, the pursuit is on!

This article was published on 14 Oct 2012

The Curious Case of the Missing Housewives

Cases of domestic violence and crimes against married women have reportedly increased in recent times. In our society, most of the time, womenfolk play the dutiful role of scapegoats. They endure anything and everything to run their homes. Manipuri women have been generally glorified with many adjectives such as akhaang kanbi, thouna leibi, mapuroiba ningbi and so on.

Of late, there is an astonishing discovery related to the changing mindset and nature of Manipuri women. Some of the married women break all the social norms and elope away with guys of their own choice. It has infact become chajik news for us to find out reports in the paper such as ‘mou maangkhrey or chenkhrey or hanjillaktrey’. I was quite unaware about it until my sister cracked a joke about it. She told me, ‘Hujikaangi chatnabini, akhoi asomgi mou amasu mayum ahumlak paankhre’. I had found it hard to believe but I started believing. Welcome to Modern Manipur (At least it sounds so modern).

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY

If I have to share my thought salad on this issue, I think it reflects two sides of the same society where we live. On one hand, it is a death blow to the age-old patriarchal norms set by the over-hardworking Manipuri men. These women dare to break the cocoon built by these male lots. They have, all in all, proved that the dominating attitude of male folks and their chauvinism are an 18th-century tale.

On the other hand, it can also be considered as a blot to the typical image of Manipuri women. For all these years, Manipuri women have been glorified as epitome of various virtues. History has witnessed how Manipuri women have been taking active participation in many sociopolitical and economical causes.

It is debatable, however, if these new range of women belong to the same category or not. We would not be astonished to find out that a married woman has eloped with another guy on a few grounds.

It would be understandable if the woman elopes away with another guy — if her husband does not provide a good life, treats her badly and is a master of domestic violence. Shockingly true but some married women deliberately do it even when their husbands provide a decent life and treat them well. Some of these women run away from nupamayum at the cost of ruining their own married life. Some of them even abandon their own kids; and then, endure or simply snub the wrath of our society’s wathi.

TOOLS IN THE MONKEY’S HAND

We do not probe much into the reason why this is trending so fast in our society. Don’t you think we have to discuss why this is happening in our society? Has technology got anything to do with it? The answer is yes. Technology is perhaps a responsible factor.

Let us be bold enough to admit that we do not have any sense of civilization but we make the best use of every technology that is available in the market. And that’s because we can easily afford it. For example, mobile phones of all brands have flooded the market. There is such a craze of mobile phones among us.

One does not have to bother if there is enough grocery at one’s home. But it is really important to recharge one’s mobile balance. It is really sad to acknowledge how the value of relationships has been compromised in our society. Simply put, the mobile phone is a product of the industrial society, but in our shanty town, it is like a tool in the monkey’s hand, so out of place.

MISSING HOUSEWIVES’ CLUB

For married ladies whose husbands are off to work (or off to date other unmarried girls) they want to occupy themselves with something interesting. A random missed call given to a random guy is a reason enough to spark an extramarital affair. No one has the shame and there is no feeling of guilt to indulge in illicit acts with their new-found boyfriends. All in all, they do not have any shame leaving their nupamayum just to elope with a different guy. The case of ‘mou maangkhrey’ is therefore nothing shocking if we can see our super-modern trend.

There is no remedial measure for this unwanted trend that is spreading so rampantly. One cannot blame the Manipuri government for such cases. In our state, even future teachers can block the highway and the government is accountable for it. It is responsible for every mess. Sigh! Our government is at least not responsible for the missing housewives.

This article was published on 7 Oct 2012

Pan Dukan Eney

Consumption of pan is literally banned in Manipur but no one stops consuming it. Some do have a craze for a single kwa matap right at the start of the day. With a couple of elaichi pieces or katha, with a long maru or yubi ataoba, a matap of ek soh beesh or saat is unavoidable for many of us. Age or gender is not a criterion for anyone to get used to a kwa matap. So mou naha or leisabi, pakhang or hanuba, a kwa matap is meant for all and sundry.

It is nothing misleading to claim that the Pan Dukan and Manipuris have an unbreakable relationship since time immemorial. A pan dukan is a landmark for many new visitors to a leikai; it is one of the favourite joints for the folks who would catch up during many a load-shedding evening over several conical ‘kwa matap’; and it is also a place where a ‘nupi lumba laakpa pakhang’ spends time waiting for his sweetheart to turn up.

‘Jarda matap ama chadradi kok kasi chik-ee da, Ebemma’, I have many ‘local’ aunts repeatedly telling me like this. Most of these aunts prefer the saat or beesh matap to any other sumptuous treat of snacks at a local eating outlet or tea stalls. With just a single kwa matap treat, you get all the blessings under the sun from them. I have personally got some heart throbbing blessings from some of them, such as ‘Nungsine echanupisi, maram na mok ee ba masakna fajariba, nupa afaba fang u ko’. I could not help but grin over their funny approbations.

Running a pan shop is a means of livelihood for many families too. And for a few, it is just an extra means of earning income or to remain occupied with something beneficial. I do not envy those pan dukans run by a Khura but I sure do envy the one run by an Eney. A pan dukan eney is usually a cordial woman with an attractive charisma. She is a friend for everyone. A little talkative perhaps she might be, but there is no question over her affability. She has this down-to-earth attitude along with a great sense of humour that attracts many customers. There are many pan dukan in a leikai but all of them are not frequently visited by customers for obvious reasons. Everyone loves to visit that particular eney’s pan dukan, that eney who is friendly and fun to be with.

Come numidangwairam, the most famous pan dukan of every leikai is swarmed by customers from every nook and corner of Imphal town. Vehicles are parked and it is quite a sight for onlookers to watch those well-dressed and also those haapoo-chuba types of guys loitering around the pan dukan, indulging in chit-chats with their buddies over various kwa mataps. The topic of discussion could be anything. It could be the same old discussion on the issues of Manipur, it could be a business plan and it could also be an elopement plan for one from among the group. Just the right time for the best sparkling ideas to horde their mind, they have an unbeatably good time around the very pan dukan. For a busy Eney it is the prime time to sell as many chewing gum packets and kwa mayoms as she can.

For a drunk Gorojaoba or Tomba, the pan dukan is again one of the places in the leikai where he can yell out his grievances till his wife or mom shows him the homeward road. Eney doesn’t mind all his classic nonsense. She has ears for all.

It is indeed fun to befriend a pan dukan eney. You never know how time passes away while indulging in an interesting conversation with her. You can share so many things with her that you cannot even share to your siblings or parents. You would most often find a friend in her irrespective of the age gap. She keenly listens to your problem (if any) and sometimes comes up with amazing solutions you have never thought about. You can have an open talk with her without any regret. She always creates a pleasant aura around her shop with a smiley face greeting everyone in an amiable manner.One of the differentiating traits of an ideal pan dukan eney is that she never puts up a notice board near her dukan which reads ‘BAAKI TOUJADEY’. It’s really odd to come across those shops with such a notice right? Whatsoever, it does not mean ‘Sotlaga chaba’ is also encouraging.

The reason of addiction could be anything for anyone but it is a much observed trend that consuming kwa is quite a nisha for many in our very localities. Some are really addictive to it; some have a check on its consumption. As for me, I would not mind being considered as a kwa-matap ambassador and my heart goes out to every pan dukangi eney and her kwa matap.

Statutory warning - Consuming tobacco in any of its forms is hazardous for health… who cares? ‘Eney katha teidaba sada matap amata somda’

This article was published on 26 Feb 2012