- Preserve the Territorial Integrity of Manipur
Though
we had to live with irregular water and electric supply,
bad roads and deal with corrupt Government officials.
Bombs and gunfire going off now and then...
that we felt that something was not right if they were silent for a day
or two.
But this is the place where I was born and where I grew up -
my Ima Leipak, my Home land.
And as they say, "East or West, Home is Best."
Tallest Topiary in the World in
Imphal
Imphal is the capital city of Manipur, a north-eastern? Indian state. Also known as the 'Jewel of India,' Manipur is now a? Paradise in trouble. However I am an optimist and believe that the guns will fall silent one day.
The Imphal valley is drained by several small rivers originating from the hills surrounding it. These include the Imphal, Iril, Sekmai, Thoubal and the Khuga rivers. Most of the rivers flowing through the city are no more than drains now with untreated sewage flowing into it from all sides.
The deforestation in the hills has resulted in heavy silation of the rivers as they mender through the valley with the result that every rainy season there were really bad floods. I remember on particularly bad one a couple of years back when the whole Imphal valley was flooded and we had to abandon our house in Lamphel Pat. The water was waist deep and took nearly a whole month to get back to normal.
Imphal is a sprawling mini metropolis, where you can find people of different races and languages interacting freely.
The 'Meiteis' form the major ethnic group in the valley and they speak 'Meiteilon' also known, simply as 'Manipuri,' which is also the lingua franca in the state. Never the less in Imphal, many people speak English and Hindi. Most of the business in Imphal is run by the Marwaris and the Punjabis, though now an increasing number Meiteis have taken over the space left by those leaving the state.
You should not miss the 'Ima Keithel' at Khwairamband Bazar which is the only market in the World where, as the name suggests, all the stalls are run by women. Women have a strong say in the Manipuri society and be careful not to get drunk in public over there or you may face the wrath of the Meira Paibis, which are otherwise mild Housewives who patrol the neighbourhood at night looking out for trouble? makers. If they find anyone behaving in a way they are not supposed to, then........
"Modern horse Polo originated from Manipur. It was adopted by the British soldiers and planters who took it to Britain, modified the rules and made it popular around the World. You didn't know that did you? "
In the heart of the town and surrounded by a moat, are ruins of the old Palace at Kangla. It is a holy place for many Meiteis too. The grounds are now occupied by the Assam Rifles, a para-military force. Many of the local people would like to see the armed forces vacate the historical place, which is one of the long standing demands, because of the emotional and historical ties of the people to the place.
Another place of historical interest is the Polo ground which is the oldest existing Polo ground in the World. Near to the Polo ground is the Manipur State Museum, which has a good collection of old artifacts and nice pictures depicting the history of Manipur.
2nd World War Cemetry in
Imphal
During the Second World War, Manipur was the scene of many fierce battles between the Japanese and Allied forces. The Japanese swept over Far-east Asia and came up to Manipur. They were beaten back before they could enter Imphal and this proved to be one of the turning points of the War.
There are two cemeteries maintained by the British War Graves Commission, which are the final resting places of several Indian and allied soldiers who died here.
There were several visits by the Japanese too -former soldiers and family members who came here to pay their respects to the Japanese soldiers who fell here. Let us hope and pray that we do not have to face another World War forever.
I spent a part of my childhood in Sagolband Meino Leirak, a short distance away from the city centre? but later moved to follow my father to the Regional Medical College (now, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences) colony at? Lamphel Pat -? which is where I grew up. At that time, Lamphel Pat was still developing and we had wide open fields to roam around and could hear the Wolves howl at night. There were a lot of snakes too.
I saw the development taking place gradually and from what I hear, the area is quite developed. We used to hang out at the 'Coffee Corner,' I don't know if it still exists now. My school, Manipur Public School, was also quite near but it later shifted to Koirengei. I wonder if the students there are still as naughty as we were.
IMPORTANT:
Manipur is considered a sensitive border state. Entry into the state is even more difficult than going to Kashmir (And the Kashmiris complain that they are being oppressed). Foreigners who want to enter Manipur (including Meiteis born in Manipur and who obtained foreign citizenship) requires the RESTRICTED AREA PERMIT.
It can be obtained from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office in the metros (Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta) or in the local state govt. office. A permit is valid for 10 days, and foreigners must travel in groups of four on a tour arranged by an authorised travel agent. They can come to Imphal only by air and will not be permitted to travel outside the capital. I can't wait to see this stupid law removed.
Ranganiketan Manipuri Drummers
Performing the " Pung Cholom in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2000)
View of Langol Ching in Lamphel Pat
My uncle Meghraj