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INDIA 2012

A REFERENCE ANNUAL

Compiled by

RESEARCH, REFERENCE AND TRAINING DIVISION

PUBLICATIONS DIVISION

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MANIPUR: the basic facts

Area : 22,327 sq km

Population : 22,93,896 (2001 Census)

Capital : Imphal

Principal Language : Manipuri

Manipur: INTRODUCTION

Manipur Tourism

Manipur, fondly called by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru as the “Jewel of India”, is a little Shangrila located in a lush green corner of North-East India between 23.83° & 25.68° North latitudes and 93.03° & 94.78° East longitudes. An oval shaped valley surrounded by nine ranges of bluish-green hills intertwined with cascading rapids, tripping rivers, carpets of flowers, exotic blooms and lazy lakes, she has inspired descriptions such as the “Switzerland of the East”. One of the most profound observations was made by Lady St.Clair Grimwood, author of ‘My Three Years in Manipur’ who described her as ‘A pretty place more beautiful than many snow places of the world’.

Sharing an international border with Myanmar, the state has a strategic importance in India’s Look East Policy and is set to become the Gateway to South- East Asia and an important tourist destination in the near future. The people of Manipur include Meities, Nagas, Gorkhas, Meitei Pangals, Kuki - Chin - Mizo groups and many other colorful communities who have co-existed in complete harmony over the centuries. These are people whose folklore, myths and legends, dances, indigenous games and martial arts, cuisines, exotic handlooms and handicrafts are invested with the mystique of nature and an indefatigable Joie de vivre.

HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY

Manipur has a long and glorious history from before the beginning of the Christian era. The political history of Manipur started from 33 A.D. with the coronation of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba. After Pakhangba a number of kings ruled over the kingdom of Manipur. The independence and sovereignty of Manipur remained uninterrupted until the Burmese invaded and occupied it for approximately seven years in the first quarter of the 19th century (1819-1826). Then, Manipur came under British Rule on 27 April 1891.

Manipur regained its independence in 1947 and merged into Indian Union on 15th October 1950. Thus, it became a Part C State under a Chief Commissioner. During 1950-51, an Advisory form of Government was introduced and in 1957 this was replaced by a Territorial Council of 30 elected and 2 nominated members. Later, in 1963 a Territorial Assembly of 30 elected and 3 nominated members was established under the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963.

The status of administrator was raised from that of a Chief Commissioner to that of a Lt. Governor in December 1969. Manipur became a full-fledged State on 21st January 1972 with a Legislative Assembly of 60 members of whom 19 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes and one for Scheduled Castes. The State is represented in the Lok Sabha by two members and by one member in the Rajya Sabha.

Manipur is situated in the extreme north-eastern border of India. It is bounded on the east by upper Myanmar, on the north by Nagaland, on the west by Cochar District of Assam and on the south by Chin Hills of Myanmar and Mizoram. Manipur has a total border line of about 854 kms. of which about 352 kms. are international boundary line with Myanmar on the east and south-east. This State can claim a geographically unique position, since it virtually is the meeting point between India and South-East Asia. Manipur lies between 23.800 N and 25.680 N latitude and between 93.030 E and 94.780 E longitude.

The State has a total area of 22,327 sq. kms. There is a small oval shaped plain in the central part. This central plain known as Imphal Valley is at a height of about 790 metres above MSL. This valley is surrounded by hills on all sides. The hill covers about 9/10 of the total area of the State. The hill ranges are higher on the north and gradually diminish in height towards the south. The valley itself slopes down towards the south.

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture and allied activities are the only mainstay of the State’s economy where about 70 per cent of the population depends on it. The State has two topographical zones — valley and hills. The valley is known as the 'Rice Bowl' of the State. The valley has sub-tropical to tropical to sub-temperate climate. The hills have subtemperate to temperate climate with an average altitude of 3000 metres above MSL.

The State has distinct winter, warm, humid and rainy summer. The average rainfall covering the State is 1436 mm. It occurs mainly during June to September when the State is under the spell of South West Monsoon. The growth of agriculture in the State has been quite uneven and unsatisfactory for the reason that its production still depends on seasonal rainfall.

FORESTS

According to the State Forest Report, 2009 prepared by Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, the forest cover in the State is 17,280 sq. km, which is 77.40% of the State's geographical area. In terms of forest canopy density classes, the State has 701 sq. km. very dense forests, 5474 sq. km. moderately dense forests and 11.105 sq. km. open forests. Comparison of the current forest cover with the previous assessment in 2005 shows an overall increase in forest cover of 328 sq. km. This overall increase in forest cover is mainly due to regeneration in abandoned jhum areas.

IRRIGATION

Major and Medium lrrigation had been introduced in the State since 1980. So far 8 (eight) Major and Medium Irrigation & Multipurpose Projects have been taken up of which 5 (five) projects viz. Loktak Lift Irrigation Project, Khoupum Dam Project, Imphal Barrage Project, Sekmai Barrage Project and Singda Multipurpose Project were completed by the end of 8th Plan. By the end of Eighth Plan period, only about 67,546 ha. has been brought under irrigation of which Major and Medium irrigation projects contributed 28,150 ha. and Minor Irrigation contributed 39,396 ha.

COMMERCE & INDUSTRIES

The Handloom industry is by far the largest and most important cottage industry in Manipur. As per National Handloom Census, 1995-96 report conducted by the National Council for Applied Economic Research, New Delhi, Manipur has 4.62 lakh handloom workers which is 2nd position among the States, 2.81 lakh looms which is 4th position, consuming 12.196 lakh kg of yarn per month which is 7th position and produced 96.07 lakh metres of handloom fabrics which is also 7th among States of the country.

POWER

Power Supply in Manipur is fully dependent on the Central Generating Stations situated in the North Eastern Region (NER). Peak demands for night and day are of the order of 150 & 100 MW in summer and 170 & 110 MW in winter. As the generating stations in the NER are mainly of hydel in nature, during lean period there is a shortfall in generation and therefore the available share of Manipur reduces drastically.

ART AND CULTURE

Its own art-forms and cultural expressions and ramifications distinctly showcase Manipur to the world. Its famous classical dance remains unique in all Manipuri dance-forms whether it is folk, classical or modern and has different style and gesture of movement.

TRANSPORT

Roads: Road Transport is the only means of communication for development of the State as there are no inland Waterways, Railways or Ropeways. All development activities depend entirely on the road transport facilities.

The total length of roads in Manipur by 2009 including National Highways, NEC, BRTF and Roads under Rural Development, was 12618 km. Out of the total road length, the surfaced length in 5443 km.

3 National Highways : i) NH-39, ii) NH-53 and iii) NH-150 criss-cross the State connecting all Districts. Imphal the capital of Manipur is joined by NH-39 with Nagaland on the north and Myanmar on the east, on the west with Assam by NH-53 and Mizoram on the south by NH-150.

Aviation: Imphal Airport is the second largest airport in the North Eastern Region. Imphal is connected to Aizwal, Guwahati, Kolkata, Silchar, Bangaluru and New Delhi by Air India, JetLite, Indigo and Kingfisher Airlines.

Imphal Airport is being upgraded to international status. The Construction of infrastructure for Night Landing Facility at Imphal airport has been completed and Air India has started Night Flights to and from Imphal.

Railways: The State is included in the railway map of India with the opening of a rail head at Jiribam in May 1990. It is 225 km from Imphal. Dimapur (Nagaland), 215 km from Imphal is the nearest rail-head.

The Jiribam - Tupul - Imphal Railway line has been declared as a National Project. Construction of the Line is in good progress and is targeted for completion by 2014 (upto Tupul) and 2016 (upto Imphal).

FESTIVALS

A year in Manipur represents a cycle of festivals. Hardly a month passes by without a festival which to the Manipuris is a symbol of their social, cultural and religious aspirations. Important festivals of the State are : Lai Haraoba, Rasa Leela, Cheiraoba, Ningol Chak-Kouba, Rath-Jatra, Idul Fitre, Imoinu Iratpa, Gaan-Ngai, Lui-Ngai- Ni, Idul Zuha. Yaoshang (Holi), Durga Pujah, Mera Houchongba, Diwali, Kut, Christmas, etc.

TOURIST CENTRES

Manipur is not only the gateway of the North Eastern region but is also a fascinating destination for discerning tourists. Blessed with a salubrious climate, natural beauty and scenic splendour, the state extends to the tourists a warm welcome. Some important tourist centres in the State are : Kangla, Shree Shree Govindajee Temple, Khwalramband Bazar (Eema/ Ima Keithel), War Cemeteries, Shaheed Minar, Nupi Lan (Women's War) Memorial Complex, Khonghampat Orchidarium, INA Memorial (Moirang), Loktak Lake, Keibul Lamjao National Park, Sendra, Moreh, Siroy Hills, Dzuko Valley, State Museum, Kaina Tourist Home, Khongjom War Memorial Complex, India Peace Memorial (Red Hill) etc.

GOVERNMENT

Governor : Shri Gurbachan Jagat

Chief Secretary : Shri D.S. Poonia, IAS

Chief Minister : Shri O. Ibobi Singh

Jurisdiction of High Court: A permanent bench of the Guwahati High Court, Imphal Bench started functioning from 14th March 1992. The Chief Justice of India laid foundation stone for construction of a new High Court Complex on 30th April 2006 and construction of the complex is in good progress & targeted to be completed within this year.

AREA, POPULATION AND HEADQUARTERS OF DISTRICTS

S.N. District Area Population Headquarters (Census 2001)

1. Senapati 3,271 2,83,621 Senapati

2. Ukhrul 4,544 1,40,778 Ukhrul

3. Chandel 3,313 1,18,327 Chandel

4. Churachandpur 4,570 2,27,905 Churachandpur

5. Tamenglong 4,391 1,11,499 Tamenglong

6. Imphal (West) 519 4,44,382 Lamphelpat

7. Imphal (East) 709 3,94,876 Porompat

8. Thoubal 514 3,64,140 Thoubalpat

9. Bishnupur 496 2,08,368 Bishnupur

Total 22,327 22,93,896

PLACES 'OPEN' IN RESTRICTED/ PROTECTED AREA

(In Indian English this means: Here is a list of places that you can visit though they are otherwise located within Manipur's RESTRICTED/ PROTECTED AREAS.)

VISIT PERMITTED TO

Loktak Lake, Imphal, Moirang INA Memorial, Keibul Deer Sanctuary and Waithe Lake Kongiam War Memorial

AUTHORITY (The authority that will give you the permission to visit these places)

All Indian Missions abroad

All FRROs & MHA (Minsitry of Home Affairs)

State Government of Manipur

REMARKS

Individual tourists not permitted, 6 days allowed

Calcutta to Imphal by air only

Foreigners allowed only in groups of 4 or more. 10 days.

Entry by road allowed on NH39 & NH53 for Dimapur-Kohima-Imphal-

Jiribam-Silichar

ADDITIONAL AREAS OPENED UP

(I.e. places that tourists can visit)

Imphal-Bishnupur-Phubala-Moirang-Sendra-Keibul-Lamjao-Imphal

Imphal-Moirang Lake-Keibul-Lamjao-Chur-Chanderpur-Khuga-Imphal

Imphal-Litan-Ukhral-Shiroy-Sangsak-Imphal

Imphal-Thoubal-Waithou Lake-Khongjam-Kakching-Thongjao-Waikhong- Sugnu-Imphal

Imphal-Khonghampat-Kanglatombi-Kangpokpi-Senapati-Karong-Mao Gate-Imphal

Imphal-Nonoh-Khongsang-Nungba-Jiribam-Imphal

The strengths of Manipur

(This is a crowdsourced section sent by Palin Khundongbam, based on contributions from various Manipuris.)

1. India's Look East Policy (LEP) was initiated through Manipur initially.

2. Land, lake (Loktak) and hills

3. Bordering with Myanmar

4. Educated youths High literacy

5. International airport

6. Meeting point of 2 superpower nations India and China

7. ASEAN highways 1 and 2 pass through Manipur.

8. War tourism destinations because of greatest battle of Imphal (see World War II in Northeast India)

9. Art and culture [inc Manipuri classical dance]

10. Railhead.

11. Sports [Along with Haryana a sporting powerhouse] (See Mary Kom )

12. State which probably gave the world the game of Polo

13. 2 Medical Colleges

14. National Institute of Technology

15. Human resources

16. English speaking

17. Eema Keithel (See Imphal: Keithel, Khwairamband Bazaar)

18. Enough rainfall for harvesting

20. Highly fertile land (not desert)

21. Enough hill area for forestation and cultivation of tea, horticulture, sericulture etc

22. High respect to women (lower female foeticide in Manipur)

23. Manipur University

24. IT talent of Manipuri

25. Manipuri human Resources residing outside the state and outside India.

26. Large number of Manipuri nurses working in leading Hospitals of India.

27. Good number of specialist and super specialists doctors in the state (See Manipur: Hospitals/ Medical Tourism)

28. Many totally amputated hands re-implanted

29. Siroy Lilly

30. Sangai

31. Orchids

32. Theatre for art and drama

33. Adventure tourism

34. Waterfalls

35. Unique food items

36. Kangla

37. Rural home stay can be promoted.

38. Underground water

39. Medicinal plants (See Manipur: Flora & Fauna; Manipur: Forests; Manipur: Birds)

40. Central Agricultural University

41. Bamboo culture.

42. Classic (a 3 Star hotel)

43. Vibrant film and pop industry (See Manipuri Cinema)

44. Two Guinness World Records ( a. Mr. Okendro for 'culturing' tallest plant pf one type , Samballei Sekpil. b. Dr. Palin Kh and his team of Shija Hospitals for successful excision of the largest neck tumour, 40% of the total body weight)

45. Institute of Cooperative Management

46. Huge participation in hospitality industry in India.

47. National Accreditation Board of Laboratory, NABL. Lab Babina

48. National accreditations Board of Hospitals and Healthcare provider, NABH. Shija Blood Bank. 1st in NE India.

49. Nucleic Acid Test (NAT) at Shija Blood Bank to detect HIV HCV AND HBV EARLIEST, 1st in Eastern India.

50. Manipuri script.

51. Comfortable weather

52. Fermented Food Technology

53. Handloom Products

54. Kauna Handicraft Products

55. Mukna and other indigenous sports

56. Thang-ta / Sajan Martial Arts

58. Bio-waste to Energy/ Bio-fertilizer for environmental sustainability

60. Most delicious plums, pineapples and oranges

61. Sinju: Different varieties of this delicious and healthy fruit

62. Mountaineering experience of Manipur

63. Arts and Culture Institute - A call from Aribam Syam Sharma

Manipur: General information

See also

The mayaang editors of Indpaedia have archived such a large number of articles about Manipur--mostly from The Sengai Express--that your free online archive is often viewed as a Manipurpaedia.

These articles cover a whole range

Bala Hijam

Lin Laishram

Manipuri Cinema

Mary Kom

Mary Kom, the film