Source:- AIR Imphal; Recorded by:- KO in public interest.
AIR News 7.30 p.m Source:- AIR Imphal; Recorded by:- KO in public interest.
Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/jfMHi9bfSTk/
By: Dr Irengbam Mohendra Singh There is an ongoing tripartite talk to discuss the demand of the UNC for the separation/secession of Naga inhabited areas of Manipur from Manipur itself…. Read more »
By: Dr Irengbam Mohendra Singh
There is an ongoing tripartite talk to discuss the demand of the UNC for the separation/secession of Naga inhabited areas of Manipur from Manipur itself.
I have a gut feeling that whatever the outcome of the talk, the boundary of Manipur is inviolable.
‘Manipur’ is for all the Manipuris while archaic ‘Kangleipak’ is for the Meiteis, incorporating the Imphal valley. It was the water-filled Imphal valley that dried up, not the hills.
The equally archaic word ‘Meetei’ of the Poireiton period should be replaced by the smarter modern ‘Meitei’ (Meithei in old English), in the same way ‘Yumphal’ is replaced by Imphal. ‘Meitei’ is not a phonetically corrupted ‘Meetei’. It is a word inducement – an act of bringing a desired result in phonetics. All school children should be taught to use the word Meitei, because it is modern. If you type Meitei on a computer it will recognise it, but it will not recognise Meetei. Language is constantly evolving by natural selection and by omitting language that is not articulated. Examples are Archaic English, Old English and Modern English.
Old is not always gold. Old age is not synonymous with intellectual maturity. It may be the other way round because of senility. But what has this tripartite talk got to do with my “gut feeling”?
Gut feeling is intuition, meaning looking inside. It deals with our innate sense of right or wrong. The energy created by the ‘Chakras’ (wheels in Yoga) and the way they channel it is felt as odd sensations in our body.
Knowledge of the Chakras was first formalised by Patanjali about 3,000 years ago. The third centre (chakra) in our subtle system is called “nabhi” or “Manipur” chakra. Its physical location is at about the level of the navel. It looks after several important aspects of our being, primarily with the organs of digestion but also with our sense of right or wrong – an odd sensation that we feel in our gut. This is the gut-feeling. This is all I have about the end-result of the tripartite talk. You may call it intuition.
“Gut Feeling”
I have full understanding of the UNC challenge. Their demand arose from an innate desire to identify with their gut feeling and a longing to maintain a good social order with fellow ethnic Nagas of Nagaland. But my empathy does not play a role in judgement of the subject of disintegration of Manipur or alteration of its boundary.
My article argues logically why the “territory” of Manipur that covers the hills and the plain can not be transgressed. That is, it must stay in status quo forever.
Since the fag end of the crisis-ridden 20th century, everyday, the political and ethnic dissonance continues to mount secessionist movements all over the world, either to achieve politically independent governments or ethnically homogenous communities – from Bosnia and Chechnya to Sri Lanka; from Francophones in Quebec, Canada to Basques in Escudo, Spain.
Since the disintegration of the Soviet Union there are more than 60 countries, one-third of all the members in the United Nations that are operating either for full sovereignty or lesser degrees of political self-determination.
Even the disgruntled taxpayers on Staten Island want to secede or demand greater autonomy from New York. A lot of progressive Americans started talking seriously of secession, such as the Texas Nationalist Movement.
Attempts at or aspirations of secession from the United States have been a feature of the country’s politics. The United States Supreme Court ruled unilateral secession unconstitutional while commenting that revolution or consent of the states could lead to a successful secession.
The swelling number of secessionist movements has evoked a vigorous response from political philosophers but with no right political answer in sight.
The basic concept of ‘territory’ concerns itself with water, food, shelter, clothing and economics for survival though there are variable concepts of territory. With these in mind I intend to build up a valid argument from true premises, and arrive at a true conclusion through inference that the territorial integrity of Manipur could not be violated.
Under international law ‘territorial integrity’ is the principle that nation-states should not attempt to promote secessionist movements or to promote changes in other nation-states.
In recent years there has been tension between this principle and the concept of ‘humanitarian intervention’ under Article 73.b of the United Nations Charter – “to develop self-government to take account of the political aspirations of the peoples.”
However, territorial integrity and humanitarian intervention collided head-on in the Kosovo War in 1998-99 between ethnic Albanians (Muslim) and Serbs (Christian) causing the death of 150-250,000 people.
The history of the Concept of Territory and its evolution is a vast subject with varying degrees of agreement and disagreement and newer concepts such as “Palestine” territorial concept, which simply refer to one’s native home, place and birth.
The territorial concept is a spatial concept. Space has long been studied in relationship with geography, economy, and management. Though some effort has been made to define space there is still lack of definition in a world where spatial actions are more and more global.
The newer concepts complicate the environment of Manipur where relationship with space for a composite Manipur (Hills and valley) is no longer a simple question of preserving space but a legitimate proposal to keep the right conditions which emerge from proximities (Gael Le Boulch).
The concept of territory is not only spatial but also a product of human imagination and beliefs. It is closely linked with sovereignty. This is the Meitei territorial concept of Manipur.
The territorial concept endorses a set of properties attached to a complex system (Monk 2000), referring to structure and dynamics, putting forward the question of time irreversibility and its necessity to be taken into account.
The Territorial concept of the Meiteis also means an embryonic territorial awareness, though reference to social awareness rather than to political one, which has been accepted and defended from time immemorial and is irreversible.
In the history of redefining territory with political integrity by many political units claiming a definite territory by intrusion into another territory where there are a co-ethnic settlements, was regarded as an act of war. This is similar to the current territorial redefining
of the NNC (IM) with an intrusion in Manipur’s territory where there are ethnic Nagas.
The question of Manipur’s territorial integrity claim must be viewed from the perspective of Indian constitution, age-old boundary of Manipur (as in the present map) demarcated in 1881 by a Boundary Commission under James Johnstone, and “the state of Manipur”, the sovereignty of which was handed over to Maharaja Bodhchandra at 12 midnight, Thursday August 28 1947, including the Hills that had been under British control.
Thus the territorial claim by the NNC (IM) like the ‘Chinese Irritable Border Syndrome’, with collusion of some Nagas of Manipur (UNC) is in international law, an act of aggression, to the Meiteis, Kukis, Pangals and the smaller tribes who have been living peacefully in Manipur for a few thousand years.
When the right of self-determination is invoked by secessionist ethnic groups, the state almost always invokes the principles of the territorial integrity of the state and the inviolability of its borders. It is a violation of international law to recognize unilateral declarations of independence by secessionist groups and territories against the wishes of federal or central governments who are engaged in resisting the separatists.
While the Constitution of India does not allow Indian states to secede from the union, a large percentage of the population in India would choose to secede from their respective nation states if given the opportunity. This is not a simple option.
In the continuing wind of change for secession all over the world the government of Manipur
should tread softly-softly by seeking a formula to appease the UNC at the tripartite talk, perhaps an ethnofederal relationship without disintegrating Manipur. They need to formulate conflict-sensitive approaches that enable mediation and dialogue to take place.
In conclusion, we must resist the well-known view of German anarchist Gustav Landauer (1870-1819): “The state is a condition, a certain relationship between beings, a mode of
behaviour; we destroy it by contracting other relationships, by behaving differently.”
We are all together in this land of Sana leibak Manipur and we will keep the integrity of Manipur intact forever.
In order to present my line of reasoning in a logical and consistent fashion I have approached my arguments with such a strong attitude without ignoring evidence that contradict other people’s thinking.
But as TS Eliot pointed out, between the thought and action falls the shadow as does between idea and reality. I find it easy enough to will the end but can I will the means?
The writer is based in the UK
Email: imsingh@onetel.com
Website: www.drimsingh.co.uk
Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/uCpTp5TE4k8/
Nobel Women Peace Laureates Urge Government of India, Manipur & Northeast States to Protect Women in Armed Conflict Toronto : From May 23-25, Nobel Peace Laureates Jody Williams, Shirin Ebadi… Read more »
Binalakshmi Nepram with 1976 Nobel Peace Laureate, Mairead Maguire.Photo by Jennifer Shepherd
Nobel Women Peace Laureates Urge Government of India, Manipur & Northeast States to Protect Women in Armed Conflict
Toronto : From May 23-25, Nobel Peace Laureates Jody Williams, Shirin Ebadi and Mairead Maguire led an unprecedented conference in Canada, to develop strategies for ending rape as a weapon of war. They were joined by over 120 civil society activists, corporate and security sector leaders, military and peacekeeping personnel, and academics to discuss and share ideas at the conference, entitled Women Forging a New Security: Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict.
According to Nobel Women’s Initiative who organised the Conference, “Sexual violence takes place in every region of the world, with the reasons for its use varying from conflict to conflict. It has been used as a tactic to terrorize communities suspected of supporting guerrilla forces, as a way to force population off land, and to punish human rights defenders”.
“Waging war on the bodies of women has got to stop,” says Jody Williams, who won the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize for her work to end anti-personnel landmines. “Like any tactic of war, it can be eliminated.The magnitude of the problem must be matched by our collective effort. Working together, we can finally bring an end to this scourge on women and their communities.”
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and honorary member of the Nobel Women’s Initiative, Aung San Suu Kyi also sent a video message emphasizing the critical importance of ending sexual violence in conflict.
Binalakshmi Nepram with 2003 Nobel Peace Laureate, Shirin Ibadi. Photo by Jennifer Shepherd
On 26 May, which was declared as international day of action against sexual violence in conflict, the three Nobel Peace Laureates called upon concerned people and nations from around the world to TAKE A STAND to end rape in war.
Binalakshmi Nepram, Founder of the Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network who participated in the conference spoke about the situation in Manipur and in India’s Northeast Region and the non-violent ways of unique protests in which women in Manipur and Northeast India have undertaken to respond to sexual violence against women in conflict zones.
A declaration was also unanimously adopted at the historic conference which called up Government of India, Manipur and Other Northeast Indian States and also to non-state armed groups stop violence against women in conflict areas and work to protect women. Following is the resolution that was taken at the conference:
“We, 120 women from 33 countries including three women Nobel Peace Laureates gathered at the conference “Women Forging a New Security: Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict” in Montebello, Canada, May 23-25, 2011, call upon the Governments of India and the state of Manipur and other Northeast Indian states and non-state armed groups operating in the region to end violence against women in Manipur and Northeast India. We declare our solidarity with Irom Sharmila and hundreds of thousands of women in Manipur and India’s Northeast region who have non-violently resisted militarization in the name of insurgency and counter-insurgency. We call upon the Government of India to uphold its democratic values by repealing the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act of 1958. We call on all parties to cease attacks on the civilian population and seek peaceful solutions”
Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/Jk-xIVqWOt0/
Manipur Higher Secondary Examination 2011 Click HERE
Manipur Higher Secondary Examination 2011 Click HERE
Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/3Ubray08iCs/
Source:- AIR Imphal; Recorded by:- KO in public interest.
AIR News 7.30 p.m Source:- AIR Imphal; Recorded by:- KO in public interest.
Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/fXEFvB74nFE/
Source:- AIR Imphal; Recorded by:- KO in public interest.
AIR News 7.30 p.m Source:- AIR Imphal; Recorded by:- KO in public interest.
Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/puzzyn8FGA0/
Source: http://manresults.nic.in HIGHER SECONDARY EXAMINATION, 2011 COMMERCE NAMES OF CANDIDATES STANDING FIRST FIVE POSITIONS
Source: http://manresults.nic.in
HIGHER SECONDARY EXAMINATION, 2011
COMMERCE
NAMES OF CANDIDATES STANDING FIRST FIVE POSITIONS
Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/9-8GZ6OX93k/
Source: http://manresults.nic.in HIGHER SECONDARY EXAMINATION, 2011 ARTS NAMES OF CANDIDATES STANDING FIRST TWENTY POSITIONS
Source: http://manresults.nic.in
HIGHER SECONDARY EXAMINATION, 2011
ARTS
NAMES OF CANDIDATES STANDING FIRST TWENTY POSITIONS
Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/1PuNqlqwgE4/
Source: http://manresults.nic.in SCIENCE NAMES OF CANDIDATES STANDING FIRST TWENTY POSITIONS
Source: http://manresults.nic.in
SCIENCE
NAMES OF CANDIDATES STANDING FIRST TWENTY POSITIONS
Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/cwnfEE3gYKE/
Source: http://manresults.nic.in NAMES OF SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES SECURING HIGHEST MARKS IN THE SUBJECTS NOTED AGAINST EACH
Source: http://manresults.nic.in
NAMES OF SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES SECURING HIGHEST MARKS IN THE SUBJECTS NOTED AGAINST EACH
Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/f4kDslGPQMk/
Council of Higher Secondary Education, Manipur exam results are out . Please check : http://manresults.nic.in/ Best wishes
Council of Higher Secondary Education, Manipur exam results are out .
Please check : http://manresults.nic.in/
Best wishes
Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/hjJQHB7-2j8/
Photos By: Manipur Cycle Club Manipur Cycle Club had their Critical Mass II on 29 May 2011. Critical Mass is a cycling event, which happens on the last Sunday of… Read more »
Manipur Cycle Club – Critical Mass II
Photos By: Manipur Cycle Club
Manipur Cycle Club had their Critical Mass II on 29 May 2011. Critical Mass is a cycling event, which happens on the last Sunday of every month, where people who cycle and promote cycling as the key means of transport come together to reclaim their cycling space. The event was participated by around 50 cyclists, and the ride began from DM College of Science and passed through Thangal and Paona Bazaar. Then, after passing through Singjamei, the ride ended at Yaiskul Oil pump where a BMX and Skating show took place as a way to attract passerby. Leaflets promoting cycling as a means of transport were also distributed. The next Critical Mass III will be on 26 June and those interested may contact Manipur Cycle Club at 2445134.
Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/9bxG-_Wq5Kk/
MANIPUR CYCLE CLUB JUPITER YAMBEM CENTER, PAONA INTERNATIONAL MARKET PAONA BAZAR, IMPHAL, MANIPUR – 795001 PRESS RELEASE Manipur Cycle Club had their Critical Mass II on 29… Read more »
MANIPUR CYCLE CLUB
JUPITER YAMBEM CENTER,
PAONA INTERNATIONAL MARKET
PAONA BAZAR, IMPHAL, MANIPUR – 795001
PRESS RELEASE
Manipur Cycle Club – Critical Mass II
Manipur Cycle Club had their Critical Mass II on 29 May 2011. Critical Mass is a cycling event, which happens on the last Sunday of every month, where people who cycle and promote cycling as the key means of transport come together to reclaim their cycling space. The event was participated by around 50 cyclists, and the ride began from DM College of Science and passed through Thangal and Paona Bazaar. Then, after passing through Singjamei, the ride ended at Yaiskul Oil pump where a BMX and Skating show took place as a way to attract passerby. Leaflets promoting cycling as a means of transport were also distributed. The next Critical Mass III will be on 26 June and those interested may contact Manipur Cycle Club at 2445134.
Sd/-
Deben Sharma
President, MCC
Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/C3MYGMefaaI/
Source:- AIR Imphal; Recorded by:- KO in public interest.
AIR News 7.30 p.m Source:- AIR Imphal; Recorded by:- KO in public interest.
Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/6llk0ZGO7ZU/
Source:- AIR Imphal; Recorded by:- KO in public interest.
AIR News 7.30 p.m Source:- AIR Imphal; Recorded by:- KO in public interest.
Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/AwOvCEvudHE/
var addthis_product=’wpp-252′;
Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/qZWTPt3U_qE/
NOTICE May 27, 2011 Note: For more information, please see attached pdf file: 2011-05-27_DBT-JRF-SELECTION-RESULT or embedded one below. No.MU/BCH/LRS/DBT-NE-PRO/JRF: As recommended by the duly constituted Selection Committee in its meeting… Read more »
NOTICE
May 27, 2011
Note: For more information, please see attached pdf file: 2011-05-27_DBT-JRF-SELECTION-RESULT or embedded one below.
No.MU/BCH/LRS/DBT-NE-PRO/JRF: As recommended by the duly constituted Selection Committee in its meeting held on May 27, 2011 at 12.30 pm to appoint one Junior Research Fellow (JRF) to work for the research project “North Eastern origin silk protein based matrices and nano/microparticles for biomedical applications” under the Twinning Program for the North-East sponsored by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, the following candidate is appointed for the position with the terms and conditions prescribed by DBT, Government of India, New Delhi:
Candidate & address Qualification
A. Ibeyaima
d/o A. Kuber Singh, Langjing, Imphal
MSc (Biotech, 71.17%, Mizoram Univ, 2010)
She is advised to join the JRF with effect from June 01, 2011 on a full-time basis to work in the time-bound 3-years project under the terms and conditions prescribed by DBT, Government of India.
The following candidate is kept in the wait list:
Candidate & address Qualification
Athokpam Sarita Devi
d/o A. Biren Singh, Ningomthong,
Singjamei
MSc (Biotech, CGPA 8.0, VIT Univ, 2010)
Sd/-
Dr. L. Rupachandra Singh
Professor & Head
(Principal Investigator)
[rslaishram AT yahoo.com]
Copy to:
1. The Registrar, Manipur University
2. The Finance Officer, Manipur University
3. The Concerned Candidate
4. Notice Board
4. Office file
———————————————-
PDF announcement embedded below:
Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/2fUf1y-OK2A/
An evening with the Neceerian (NECEER) I have been associated with this organisation (NECEER) for almost a year now. Neceer have been actively campaigning to save the Loktak and the… Read more »
An NECEER Meeting
An evening with the Neceerian (NECEER)
I have been associated with this organisation (NECEER) for almost a year now. Neceer have been actively campaigning to save the Loktak and the Sangai not only in India but also in different cities of the world. Yesterday that is on 26 May 2011 we had an informal meeting in Delhi haat, which was attainted by some members and supporters of Neceer, including Shanti Thokchom from America and Dr Bimol Akoijam . Neceer main aim is to promote public awareness, education and research for the protection and conservation of biodiversity in North East India. Dr Bimol and Mr Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh spoke about the ongoing campaign to save Loktak and Neceer.
North East Centre for Environmental Education and Research (NECEER) is a non profit public interest research and educational organisation based in Imphal, Manipur. NECEER was established on 9th December, 2007 with an aim to educate and create awareness about the changing environment and conservation of biodiversity in North-eastern states of India through non formal education by organising training programme, workshops, campaigns, seminars, etc. Research and Development Division of the organisation is involved in the exploration of the floral and faunal diversity of the region and framing of conservation strategies with the help of local communities for the conservation of biodiversity. Taxonomical surveys, ecological and ethno botanical studies are some of the initial works taken up until fully equipped laboratories are established. Conservation of sacred groves, wetlands, water bodies and fragmented ecosystems are given priority in the sustainable development programme of the organisation. NECEER publishes newsletter and magazine for the dissemination of environmental awareness and conservation of biodiversity of Northeast India. Since its establishment, NECEER tirelessly pursues its mission by motivating and promoting youth to take up environmental issues and scientific research for the conservation of biodiversity and its habitat in North East India. Hundreds of youth across the globe are involved in the environmental awareness campaigns and research works of the organisation. More than 25 organisations are supporting Worldwide Save Loktak Lake Campaign, an initiative of NECEER which is being organised in 25+ cities in 3 continents. Neceer have also been publishing journal for the past few year Neceer publication include
Journals
NeBIO Research Journal
Conservation Leaflets
Newsletters
Ecotone Newsletter
Turtle World
Himalayan Orchids Newsletter
Magazine
BioDiverse Magazine
Newspaper
Green Pages of Manipur
Many people have arise question to how does Neceer campaigned will effect Loktak, to what I have learn and seen from their campaigned is that, the outcome of this campaigned has been very significant people are make aware about the so called Loktak lake and it’s important in the society, culture and tradition of Manipur. Neceer have been taking up issue about conserving this water body with the state and the central government. Neceer members have also done on ground analysis of Keibul Lamjao and the water body. Down the line Neceer plan to offer job opportunities to the youngsters in Manipur as well as other part of the country. Hundreds of volunteers have joined as Campaign Volunteers and Online Volunteers. More than 600 volunteers are campaigning for the ongoing Worldwide Save Loktak Lake Campaign. Joint this group and be a part of global Save Loktak saves. Contribute what you can for the society, in the end your contribution counts though it might be little.
Following are the list of Neceer campaign to Save Loktak Lake of which some of the campaigned came been complete.
First Phase : March 2010
New Delhi, Delhi (India): Ms. Mehnaz
Guwahati, Assam (India): Mr. Kripaljyoti Mazumdar
Silchar, Assam (India): Mr. Chinmoy Choudhury
Imphal, Manipur (India): Mr. Mohen Naorem
Shillong, Meghalaya (India): Ms. RK. Jashmi Devi
Second Phase : April and May 2010
Mumbai, Maharashtra (India): Mr. James
Kolhapur, Maharahtra (India): Mr. Lulel Sagolsem
Melli, Sikkim (India): Mr. Puran Giri
Darjeeling, West Bengal (India): Mr. Puran Giri
– Third Phase: 2011 –
Pune, Maharashtra (India): Mr. Anthony Moirangthem & Mr. RK Jyotin
Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Mr. Thangjam Bicky
Puducherry, (India): Ms. Chanchan Yumnam
Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh (India): Mr. Rajiv and Ms. Mary Thangjam
London, UK: Ms. Annie Khaidem
Chengdu, China: Ms. Valentina Ningombam
Bengaluru, Karnataka: Ms. Leika Yumnam, Mr. Harjeet Sinam and Ms. Ema Fatima
Patna, Bihar: Mr. Sumit Rana
– Fourth Phase –
Tulsa, Oklahama, USA: Mrs. Shanti Thokchom
Washington, USA: Mr. Birjit Ningomba
New York, USA: Mr. Fisher
– Fifth Phase –
Chandigarh, Punjab: Ms. Irengbam Malemnganbi
Baroda, Gujarat: Ms. Yambem Kripali
Nagpur, Maharashtra: Mr. Khaidem Athouba Meitei
Bikaner, Rajasthan: Mr. Dilip
– Sixth Phase –
Bhubaneshwar, Orissa: Mr. Santosh Kumar Sethi
Kolkata, West Bengal
Agartala, Tripura
Aizwal, Mizoram
– Last Phase –
Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishenpur, Churachandpur, Sadar Hills,
Senapati, Chandel, Tamenglong, Ukhrul and Jiribam (Manipur, India)
and
LOKTAK LAKE (2012)
To joint this campaigned and be a volunteer log on to www.neceer.org.in
The article was sent to Kanglaonline by Adim Marangmei
Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/z6eX6nauGxM/
Note: This article by originally published in The Telegraph on May 21, 2011 By Hoihnu Hauzel (hhauzel AT gmail.com) FOOTLOOSE Embark on a voyage of discovery in the northeast and… Read more »
Sikkim
Note: This article by originally published in The Telegraph on May 21, 2011
By Hoihnu Hauzel (hhauzel AT gmail.com)
FOOTLOOSE
Embark on a voyage of discovery in the northeast and explore many lesser known destinations in the region, says Hoihnu Hauzel
It’s the gateway to the verdant northeast but have you wondered what lies beyond the mighty River Brahmaputra that flows through Assam? There’s a whole new world waiting to be discovered and it’s dotted with offbeat places that have hitherto been low in priority in travel itineraries. But now, discerning tourists, looking for that ‘something different’, are hot-footing it to them.
Here’s what you can expect: countless natural hot springs, mountains to trek, islands and even stone monoliths dating to the 17th century. To top it all, you might even catch a music festival if you travel at the right time.
Rakesh Mathur, president, WelcomHeritage, which has five heritage properties in the region, says: “The northeast is a great voyage of discovery. It’s almost virgin territory as it remains to be discovered by the majority of Indian travellers.”
Subhash Goyal, founder chairman, STIC Travel Group of Companies, feels that people are suddenly turning their attention to the region. Says Goyal: “The northeast is perhaps Indian tourism’s best-kept secret. But all that will change with improved connectivity.”
A word of caution however: Be prepared to stay in modest but comfortable accommodation that’s high on the local experience. Also, getting to some destinations can be an adventure by itself.
So, get around to explore the exotic places tucked away in the interiors of the region.
GURUDONGMAR (SIKKIM)
Would you like to follow the path that was once taken by Guru Padmasambhava, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhist history? And would you like to drink the ‘holy water or miracle water’ from a lake that’s supposed to have the power of granting children? That’s one of the
legends about Gurudongmar Lake, in north Sikkim.
Gurudongmar is a hotspot for devotees who come all the way to pray at the guru’s temple that’s beside the lake.
“Religious and spiritual sentiments are drawing a large number of travellers
to Gurudongmar,” says Anirudh Kajaria, director of Brother Tours, a prominent travel agency offering specialised tours of Sikkim.
You get to Gurudongmar via Gangtok, the state capital, where you have the option of staying for a night or two. From here, drive to Lachen, which is 108km or five to six hours away. Make this your base, and stay at any of its 3-star hotels. Plan a day trip to Gurudongmar, which is a two-hour drive, through high pastures dotted with thick rhododendron bushes. Another attraction is the proximity to the Tibetan border, which is just a few kilometres from the lake.
Another place to visit from Lachen is Larching, a two-hour drive. A must-visit in Larching is the Yumthang Valley and its famous sulphur-rich hot springs. People take a dip here in the belief that it will cleanse their sins and ailments.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: March to June and October to December.
MECHUKA (ARUNACHAL PRADESH)
It combines history and tradition yet redefines serenity. Arunachal by itself is an interesting state, what with sharing international borders with Burma, Bhutan and China. And the small town of Mechuka — perched high above the sea level at 1,829m — is one of the newer places on the state’s travel itinerary.
Located on the Indo-Tibet border in West Siang district, (one of the state’s 16 districts), getting to Mechuka is just what the adventurer in you needed. Oken Tayeng, of Aborcountry Travels & Expeditions, a leading local tour operator, promises an experience you won’t forget. Dibrugarh, 439km away from Guwahati, is the gateway to Mechuka. After an overnight stay in Guwahati, you’ll need to make the five-hour ferry journey to Oiram-ghat, a small border town between Assam and Arunachal.
From Oiramghat, you either hire a taxi or take a bus to Siang Valley in Pasighat where you rest for the night. The next day, you drive for four hours to Along, another small town, from where your last stop, Mechuka, is another six hours away. So, you’re looking at a total travel time of about two days from Dibrugarh.
Once in Mechuka, get set for high-altitude treks, fishing excursions and cultural safaris. You could also be checking out monasteries like the 400-year-old Galden Namgyal Lhatse Buddhist Monastery. Mechuka also boasts of a gurudwara that’s supposedly 350 years old. Homestays that are high on local flavour and a government circuit house are the places to rest your head. Make sure you have a few days to take in all that Mechuka offers.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: September to mid-March. The local New Year (Losar) is celebrated in the second week of March.
MAJULI ISLAND (ASSAM)
There’s much more to Assam than the famed Kaziranga Reserve. Lesser known places like the Majuli Island are now being put firmly on the tourist map. “Being the world’s largest inhabited riverine island, Majuli has lots to offer,” says Monalisa Goswami, director of Assam Tourism in Guwahati.
The island is connected to the world by a ferry service that operates twice daily. The best way to get to the island is to reach Jorhat (about 303km from Guwahati). From here, Majuli Island is just a 90-minute ferry ride. Go on a sightseeing excursion and visit any of its 22 Buddhist monasteries that date back to the 17th century. The island is also home to rare birds. Keep two to three days for the trip.
The picturesque setting and the colourful traditions of the local Mishing tribes make for a heady combination. The icing on the cake could be the experience of staying in one of the bamboo cottages run by the locals.
In February and March the festivities of the Ali-ai-lvigang, the spring festival of the Mishing tribe, take place.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to April.
NARTIANG (MEGHALAYA)
The monoliths at Nartiang
While Cherrapunjee has earned itself the famous ‘wettest place on earth’ tag and is fairly well-known, its lesser known places in Meghalaya like Nartiang that are now coming into the spotlight.
Nartiang is easy to access and just 60km from Shillong. It’s a small Jaintia village located 22km from Jowai, the district headquarters of the Jaintia Hills, one of the seven districts of Meghalaya. It used to be the summer capital of the Jaintia rulers (one of the major tribes of Meghalaya) who took to erecting stones to mark their rule.
Since there’s no accommodation in Nartiang, tourists usually plan day trips from Shillong. Once you arrive in Guwahati, drive up to Shillong (about two hours away), where you can be based for a couple of days. There are comfortable resorts and hotels and Shillong itself has many interesting touristy places that you can visit.
Nartiang is the perfect place for those keen on history and culture. It’s called The Garden of Monoliths by the locals because of the ancient stone monoliths dating from the 17th century that are found here in abundance. Declared as an important archaeological site by the Ancient Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958, most of Nartiang’s monoliths are nearly 30ft high.
Get a local guide in Nartiang to get more of the place. The buzzy weekly local bazaar is interesting to visit, with Jaintia women selling everything from cane baskets to pineapples and even the freshly cooked and piping hot tit tung — wild mushroom cooked with black sesame seeds and pork.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: April, May, September and November.
KOHIMA (NAGALAND)
A village in Kohima
The Nagas have always attracted scores of researchers. And today, tourists too want to get an insight into the life of the people of Nagaland and to revel in its unspoilt natural beauty. There are 11 fascinating districts in the state.
Kohima tops the list as it offers a wonderful mix of culture, soulful music, exotic food and adventure. Plan for at least three days to enjoy the destination.
Once you have checked into a hotel of your choice (Kohima offers lots of options), get set to discover the town. Visit a supermarket if you want to see freshly-plucked greens and herbs from the jungles that serve as delicacies for the Nagas. Or visit the World War II cemetery in the heart of town or even Asia’s second largest village, Bara Basti, which is right here in Kohima.
From Kohima, visit the Dzukou Valley 25km away or drive up to Mokokchung, a district about 150km away, that offers angling spots as the rivers Milak and Tula flow through it. Another place to add to your itinerary is Khonoma, a green village where hunting is banned — that’s a big deal for the meat-loving Nagas — and where trees are not cut down.
The homestays in Khonoma come with Naga hospitality where one can sample the best home-cooked local food. Go trekking to the nearby Japfu Peak, about 15km away.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to mid-may. For music buffs, the Hornbill Festival in December is a treat.
AIZAWL (MIZORAM)
Anthurium farms, musical gigs, deep, dark woods and wildlife sanctuaries; Aizawl — one of the eight districts of Mizoram — has it all. “Besides being a complete tourist product, Aizawl can also serve as the base to explore the neighbouring areas,” says Noel Pari, deputy director, Directorate of Tourism, Mizoram.
Aizawl, the state capital, is a small but very lively town. It’s well connected and there are daily direct flights from Calcutta and Guwahati to the Lengpui Airport, which is 32km away. The town offers a handful of privately-owned, small hotels that are comfortable, if not luxurious.
At Bara Bazaar, you’ll find enterprising Mizo women selling handmade souvenirs. You can also set off on picnics to places like Bung (16km) or Falklawn (18km), a Mizo village, which is a major tourist attraction. To learn about Mizo history and culture, just hop across to the museum.
One of the highlights of your stay might be the Anthurium Festival held at a place 20km from Aizawl in September. And nothing can be more exciting than visiting some of the wildlife sanctuaries in different parts of the state.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to March.
Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/aGEeMcZdrWM/
Source:- AIR Imphal; Recorded by:- KO in public interest.
AIR News 7.30 p.m Source:- AIR Imphal; Recorded by:- KO in public interest.
Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/sfmhZbgFP2s/
