By Janet C Lalhmingpuii and Vijanti Namchoom
This paper examines the status and role of Mizo women in the traditional society and their changes at the present situation in Mizoram. The paper focuses on the trends and directions of transformations in their positions in light of their share and status in the family, their contribution to the economy, their participation in politics and their functions in religious affairs.
By S Haukhanlian Mate
The economy of the Mizos in the early period has been an area of concern for many historians which still remains to be explored critically. In this paper, attempt has been made to present the Mizo economy in two period – Pre-Colonial period and Colonial Period. In the pre-colonial period, the Mizo economy was simple. Their economy was sustained by Jhum cultivation. Agriculture was their principal occupation. Besides agriculture, other ancillary activities like hunting, fishing, raids and wars, domestication of animals, hnatlang, cottage industries, etc. also played a very important part in their economy during that period. Jhuming continued to be the mainstay of the Mizo economy during the colonial period. However, trade and commerce was carried out by the Mizos with the neighbouring dwellers during this period. The idea of trade came into their minds with the establishment of bazaars in the border areas. The medium of exchange was still by ‘Barter System’. The chief commercial articles during the period are rubber, ivory, timber, bamboo, common salt, arms and ammunitions, tobacco, etc.
By Khangembam Indira
Adolescents constitute more than one-fifth of the world’s population. India is home to more than 22.5 crore adolescents, the largest ever cohort of young people to make a transition to adulthood. Available evidence suggests that they are also often viewed as a vulnerable group of people with problems, disturbances and rebellion. Therefore, addressing the main problems faced by this segment of the population and improving the quality of life of the adolescents is imperative. The paper discusses the major problems faced by the adolescents in the Indian state of Manipur. The study attempts to highlight three prominent social problems viz., alcoholism, drug abuse and insurgency faced by the adolescents of Manipur and also discusses the role of parents and teachers in addressing these problems. I argue that the main problems facing the state of Manipur can be addressed to a significant extent by attending to the needs of the adolescent population of the state.
By B.P. Sahu and Satish Kumar
The present research was undertaken to study the past performance in relation to availability of health institution at the village level, connectivity with all weather roads, free distribution of medicine, impact of health activist at the household level, upgradation of CHC to IPHS, gaiting or availing antenatal and postnatal check up services, services received through mobile medical unit and availability of registered medical practitioner at the village level, etc. The researchers have adopted survey studies based on descriptive cum explorative research methods and selected only one block from West Khasi Hills District through random sampling procedure. 360 rural households from Nongstoin block was chosen through random sampling procedure from 12 villages selecting 30 women respondents from each village. From each household, one female respondent (age group 15- 45) was interviewed using purposive sampling method. For analysing and interpreting the data, the investigators adopted simple percentage as statistical technique. The results of the present study clearly demonstrate that majority of the villages were not having health institutions and they were not connected with all weather roads. In relation to free distribution of medicine a very less number of people were benefited and the mobile medical unit is not working properly and there is no registered medical practitioner at the village level. In order to achieve the objectives of the National Rural Health Mission efforts should be made to address these hindrances.
By Pankaj Sharma
Marriage is certainly an important event in the life of any individual, which every human being would invariably welcome. People living in tribal Himachal present different and interesting types of marriages and rites and rituals associated with it. This article depicts some interesting facts about the marriage customs of tribal areas of Himachal Pradesh.
By Mohd Shakil Ahmed
This article seeks to foreground the general parameter of the challenges facing the Muslim women in Manipur. Even in the democratic space enjoyed supposedly by individuals (and groups constituted on varied grounds), weak and disadvantageous individuals/sections continue to face extreme hardships, which are inimical to their full development as respectful citizens. In highlighting the parameter, the paper touches on the struggle Muslim women face in their effort to eke out a living. The complication of their problem is further compounded by the general attitude of the community toward their genuine economic and social issues. This article also looks at the theoretical premise or discourse being employed in the demand for affirmative policies for Muslim backward groups in the country. In looking broadly at these narratives, the paper seeks to highlight the need to reinvent the practice of identifying backwardness in the country which would help empower backward groups.
By Lhungdim Bulchong Hemkhomang
Despite the emergence of the Manipur Village Authority Act, 1956 in the hill areas, the Chiefs in Churachandpur district who are supposed to be Chairman of the Village Authority continues to exert authority within the territory of their villages. In the present day-Churachandpur, Chiefs generally tend to have a democratic outlook during the elections. Many declared ‘Free Vote’ in the villages during elections. The respects and obeisance they command from the villagers give them the ‘mandate’ to influence the voting behaviors in the polling booths. With wide horizons of democratic outlook and accommodative attitudes of the ultramodern Chiefs, the present form of the institution of Chieftaincy deserves to be strengthened with Legislative Acts. Nevertheless, the current mad race to become a Chief at all cost should be discouraged in order to preserve and conserve the uniqueness of the Traditional Institution of Chieftainship.
By Bhasker Pegu
The recurrence of violence in early May 2014 in western Assam, especially the Bodoland region, at the time when national elections were conducted in phased manner, is one of significant issues in the history of Indian democracy. The timing of targeted killings right after the Lok Sabha poll in the region has left many to wonder whether citizens can exercise their right to franchise according to their conscience. The orchestrated violence has been discussed hotheadedly in the political circles with a succour of national dimension as it had more to do with political parties’ impending votes those churning secular rhetoric. The wave of violence in post-poll period in Bodoland autonomous region of Brahmaputra valley before the announcement of results indicated the looming peril in the northeastern region, whose history is interwoven with ethnic mobilisation and violence by numerous indigenous groups. The massacre in Assam linked to the future political insecurity, threats and tensions among competing groups over political representation in the Parliament of India. The poll results also showed that majority of the voters were not in favour of the Bodo candidates in Kokrajhar constituency.
By Lusome Raman
Migration from one place to another has brought about the inter-mingling of different people, languages and cultures. While in some case, this intermingling of ethnic groups have brought great prosperity; in most cases it has brought ethnic conflicts. North East region of India is considered the hotbed of ethnic conflicts in the recent times. Keeping this in view, the present paper studies the Nepali community and their migration to the region. The Nepali speaking people, who represent Nepali community, makes one of the largest ethnic groups of the population of North-East states. The paper brings out the irregularities observed in the estimation of international migration in the region on the basis of the two definitions used in Census of India.
By Moirangmayum Sanjeev Singh
Community policing is a new addition to the law enforcement agencies which aims to establish partnership between local police and the people they serve. The immediate aim of community policing is to mitigate and prevent crime which in turn enhances the faith of community in police. It is a kind of policing in which the community and the police help each other in maintaining law and order and solve community problems in the society. Many states and Union Territories (UTs) have undertaken various initiatives to practice community policing in their respective states and UTs. This study attempts to examine the challenges for law enforcement agencies in Manipur and understand the concept of community policing. It also tries to study the relevance of community policing in Manipur and provide suggestions for effective implementation of community policing in Manipur.