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Showing posts with the label Manipur

Manipur burned in 2001 when the BJP was in power, and again, Manipur burns in 2023 when the BJP is in power. Why?

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Hello, everyone. Welcome to my blog, where I share my thoughts on current affairs, politics and social issues. Today, I want to talk about a topic that has been bothering me for a long time: the situation in Manipur, a state in northeast India that has witnessed two episodes of ethnic violence in 2001 and 2023, both coinciding with the BJP government at the Centre or the state. As you may know, Manipur is a diverse state with many ethnic groups, each with their own culture, language and religion. The Meitei community is the largest and dominant group in the state, followed by the Naga and Kuki tribes, who mostly live in the hills. The state has a history of insurgency and conflict, as some groups have demanded autonomy or independence from India. The first outbreak of violence happened in 2001, when the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre signed a ceasefire agreement with the NSCN-IM, a Naga rebel group that wanted to create a Greater Nagaland by merging parts of Manipur and other sta

Raising a Glass to Economic Growth: The Case for Liquor Legalization in Manipur

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                                       Photo Source:  Facebook Manipur, one of the northeastern states of India, is known for its rich culture, natural beauty, and traditional heritage. The state has a complex history of conflicts and political turmoil, including the issue of liquor prohibition. However, in recent years, there have been discussions and debates about the legalization of liquor in Manipur. In this article, we will explore the reasons for and against liquor legalization in Manipur, the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a move, and the challenges that need to be addressed if liquor is legalized in the state. Background Liquor prohibition has been in force in Manipur since 1991, when the state government imposed a ban on the sale, production, and consumption of alcohol. The ban was imposed in response to public demand for measures to tackle the rising alcohol-related problems such as domestic violence, road accidents, and health issues. The move was also driven by th

Combating the Poppy Menace: An In-Depth Look at Manipur's Multi-Pronged Approach

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Poppy plantation is the cultivation of opium poppy, a plant that produces latex from which various narcotic drugs such as opium, heroin and morphine are derived. Poppy plantation is illegal in India under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985, but it is still widely practiced in some parts of the country, especially in the northeastern state of Manipur. Manipur is one of the most conflict-ridden states in India, with a history of insurgency, ethnic violence and human rights violations. It is also one of the most affected states by drug abuse and HIV/AIDS epidemic. According to the Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MSACS), Manipur contributes nearly eight per cent of India's total HIV/AIDS cases, mainly due to intravenous drug use among injecting drug users (IDUs). Drug abuse has become a serious concern that has gripped every faction of society, including youth and children. Sometimes even officials and politicians are found involved in drug trafficking and corr

The Struggle for Belonging: The Plight of Kukis as 'Foreigners' in Manipur

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The issue of identity and belonging has been a long-standing problem in the northeastern state of Manipur, where various ethnic communities coexist in a complex and sometimes tense relationship. One of the communities that has been facing a unique challenge in Manipur is the Kuki community, who have been living in the state for generations but are often treated as foreigners or outsiders. The Kuki community, also known as the Zo people, is an indigenous community that primarily inhabits the hill districts of Manipur, as well as other parts of Northeast India and Myanmar. The Kukis have a rich cultural heritage and a history of resistance against colonialism and oppression. However, despite their long history of living in Manipur, the Kukis are often treated as second-class citizens or even foreigners in their own land. The Kukis have faced discrimination and marginalization in various forms, such as being denied access to government services, education, and employment opportunities. Th

Land, Rights, and Environment: The Eviction Controversy in Manipur

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                                                       Image  courtesy: nenow.in In recent years, the issue of eviction has become a contentious and highly charged topic in the state of Manipur, in Northeast India. The Manipur government has been facing public outcry and criticism over its eviction drive, which is aimed at clearing encroached land in various parts of the state. While the government argues that the drive is necessary to protect reserved and protected forests, there have been allegations of misuse of power and violations of human rights. The eviction drive in Manipur began in 2018, with the state government announcing its intention to clear encroached land in reserve and protected forests. The government argued that the encroachments were not only illegal but also a threat to the environment and wildlife. The government formed a task force to carry out the drive, and eviction notices were issued to thousands of families living in the targeted areas. However, the eviction

Discovering Eromba: A Journey Through the Unique Flavors of Manipur

 Manipur, a state located in the northeastern region of India, is known for its rich cultural heritage, ethnic diversity, and unique cuisine. Manipuri cuisine is characterized by its use of local ingredients and spices, and its focus on simplicity and minimalism. One of the most popular dishes in Manipuri cuisine is eromba, a simple and flavorful stew made with boiled vegetables and fish. Eromba is a staple food in Manipur and is a popular choice for lunch and dinner. The dish is usually made with a combination of boiled vegetables, such as potatoes, yam, and beans, and fish, which is cooked separately and then added to the stew. The vegetables are mashed together with some salt, red chili powder, and ngari, a fermented fish paste, to create a thick and flavorful base for the stew. The fish used in eromba can vary depending on the availability and season, but popular choices include ngari, paaknam, and ngaton. The fish is cooked separately and then added to the stew, along with some ch