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Manipur Memories
Better education and job opportunities for Muslim youngsters in Manipur is the need of the hour.
Nestling deep within a lush green corner of North-East India, is the beautiful little Shangrila called Manipur. Literally meaning a “bejewelled land”, this little corner is a veritable paradise on earth where mother nature has been extra generous in her bounty. An oval-shaped valley surrounded by blue green hills, rich in art and tradition, it has inspired description such as the Switzerland of the East” with its cascading rapids, rivers, carpet of flowers, exotic blooms and lazy lakes. The people and the tribes of Manipur include Meitei, Naga and Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups and other colourful communities which have lived in complete harmony for centuries. These are the people whose folklore, myths and legends, martial arts, exotic handlooms and handicrafts are invested with the mystique of nature.
It is a pleasure to visit Imphal, the Capital of Manipur, and a pleasure to welcome guests from this beautiful city. Last fortnight, Bangalore was graced with the arrival of a dynamic trio from Imphal- Mohd. Alauddin Khan, minister for Minorities and Other Backward Classes, Manipur, Abdus Salam, Under-Secretary, Minorities and Other Backward Classes Department, Government of Manipur, and Dr Suhail Akhtar, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Wakf Board, Manipur. The nuggets of information they parted with in an informal chat with Islamic Voice on Manipur Muslims was enlightening-facts and figures which were not available on the glossy tourism brochures of this State.
While the population of Manipur is 24 lakhs, Muslims constitute 2 lakhs. “Manipuri is the mother tongue, but it sounds a mixture of Arabic, Urdu and Persian,” says Abdus Salam. With six Muslim MLAs at the State level, the political representation is ‘just ok’ says Dr Suhail. Agriculture, especially growing vegetables is the main occupation and a large chunk of Manipuri Muslims earn their living as agricultural labourers. It is education which has taken a beating in the state. The economic condition of most Muslims in Manipur has prevented them from pursuing education and avenues for higher education are gloomy. Only a small percentage can afford to send their children outside the State for education. A few select young Muslims find their way into Engineering and Medical colleges in metros. There are few Muslim-managed educational institutions at the school level. This has had a chain reaction, with youngsters groping in the dark for job opportunities. “ This has been a very big problem in Manipur,” says Abdus Salam.
“NGOs are doing their bit, but not on war-footing. There is so much more to be done. As far as the Wakf Board is concerned, we are providing scholarships for education of girls and planning a girls hostel too. This way at least the Muslim women can have a better future,” says Dr Suhail.
Education and job opportunities for Muslim youngsters in Manipur is the need of the hour. It is time, Muslims in other States, wake up to this harsh reality and pitch in with their ideas and efforts to see what best they can do to uplift the Manipuri Muslims.
Your suggestions can be forwarded to Dr Suhail Akhtar, CEO, Wakf Board-Manipur, Sadan Bazar, Jamia Masjid Committee,Masjid Road. Imphal-Ph: 0385-2229095 and Md Afzal Ali, Secretary, State Minorities Commissioner. Room No 209, Ministers Block, Manipur Secretariat. Imphal. Ph: 0385-2220198.
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