Development Injustice: Briefing Tiddim Eviction

By Koijam Pushpa

Socio-economic structures of Manipur centres around Imphal city. The city is thickly populated with vegetable and goods market, media houses and most institutions, owned privately or by public, including schools, offices, the hospitals and banks, located in its proximity. And with the recent upgrading of Imphal Tulihal Airport to an international status, to facilitate the entry of foreign tourists, the state government has shown keen interest in expansion of Imphal city road, particularly the Tiddim road (50 feet on either side of the median), between Keishampat junction and Malom culvert point. The land acquisition and eviction of buildings for the road expansion was carried out in the general public interests, however, it had varying impacts on the public for whom the interest was taken up, particularly the pattadars living along the main road. Most of the buildings and structures that were demolished include grocery and stationary shops, hardware and pharmacies, vehicle workshops, chai hotels, etc. which sustain livelihood of many directly or indirectly. Many homes were also affected but no alternative place was provided to relocate. Monetary compensation paid for the land acquired was not enough for constructing new buildings, let alone the land value that is lost. ....Continue Reading

Tipaimukh Dam Amidst Manipur’s Development Imbroglio

By Koijam Pushpa

Quite often, we come across people complaining about the price of the basic necessities available in the market. We complain about the frequent load shedding, the bad condition of the roads and the drainage system. One might have seen the crowded and dreadful roads of the Imphal city or the flooded roads after a heavy rainfall. The condition becomes even worse as we move away from the city area. We cannot deny that the state seriously needs to address the issues of development but one basic problem associated with it is the state’s approach to development where negative impacts often precede development. The developmental works taken up by the government are yet to be critically looked upon. ....Continue Reading

Flop Show Of The Fractured Toe

by Koijam Pushpa

The Anticipated Day has come
And here we are, at the Health Centre
We set off for Mazhar's Chai,
When the Orthopadic was behind time
He left unfix the broken toe
Said he asked for a finger cots
Pain from Shock, now where do I go?
My dream of POP turned a flop show

(Flashbacks)
Friends inquire if I needed a hand
When seen around they send me back
"Stay in room, the wound looks serious
We could take you to the hospital?"
Some advised not to wander afar,
I replied, I have been to Secunderabad
And that I'm strong you see,
In next few days the crack is seen ...Read More