Council of Higher Secondary Education announces Class XII exam results Rankings out, divisions out, gradings in
IMPHAL, May 22: For the first time in the annals of the Council of Higher Secondary Education, Manipur (COHSEM), the Class 12 results of 2013 were declared today under the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) system in which grading system has t.....
Court to record evidence in Sharmila’s case on Aug 30
NEW DELHI, MAY 22: A Delhi court on Wednesday fixed August 30 for recording of prosecution evidence in a case against rights activist Irom Sharmila Chanu for allegedly attempting suicide during her fast-unto-death in New Delhi in 2006. The Manipuri act.....
Evicted families dismiss CM's claims
IMPHAL, May 22: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi's assertion that settlers recently evicted from Kabo Leikai were not in possession of valid land ownership documents and that the Government spent Rs 9 crores as compensation amount has been outrightly rejected b.....
Street vendors demand due place
IMPHAL, May 22 : Demanding a suitable place at Khwairamband Keithel, street vendors of Khwairamband Keithel today staged a sit in protest at Keishampat Lairembi. The protesters later marched to submit a memorandum with five a point charter of demand to.....
Smile Train Shija Cleft Project Mission To Myanmar Flagged Off 12 team member leave to lend healing touch
IMPHAL, May 22: Smile Train Shija Cleft Project, a joint initiative of Smile Train Inc, USA and Shija Hospitals and Research Institute, Imphal has set off on a journey to render free surgical treatment to cleft lip and palate patients at Monywa, Myanmar. .....
Thieves held
IMPHAL, May 22: With assistance from 10 Assam Rifles troops, Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) staff caught five persons while they were trying to steal GI pipes worth around Rs 1.2 lakh from Kangchup area of Senapati district. According to a.....
Judicial remand
IMPHAL, May 22: Rakesh Kumar Yadav, a CRPF jawan who has been accused of molesting and attempting to rape a woman sweeper of SBI building has been remanded to 15 days judicial custody. The accused was produced before Judicial Magistrate First Class, .....
State farmer
IMPHAL, May 22: Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Authority, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India has awarded All Manipur Trained Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Promoters Consortium (AMAPCON) President Potshangbam Devakanta with Pla.....
Bio-diversity day
IMPHAL, May 22: Like in other parts of the world, international Biological diversity Day was observed here in the State. Under the joint aegis of Directorate of Environment and Manipur Bio-diversity Board, the global observance were organised at Kangl.....
MSCW chief
IMPHAL, May 22: Manipur State Commission for Women chairperson Dr Ibetombi Devi has pledged to take all possible measures to address plight of the women and work for their betterment. Interacting with mediapersons at her office chamber in DC (IW) offi.....
June event co-hosts seek public assistance
IMPHAL, May 22: ahead of the 12th Great June Uprising Unity Day 2013 to be observed jointly by AMUCO and UCM the event co-hosts have sought the people's cooperation and financial contribution to facilitate smooth observance of the historic occasion. Ad.....
URF disputes CM
IMPHAL, May 22: Apparently referring to Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh's comment at the national Anti-Terrorism Day observance yesterday that likened insurgency movement in Manipur to acts of terrorism, the armed United Revolutionary Front (URF), Manipur c.....
Govt holds talk with UG groups
IMPHAL, May 22 : In line with the stated purpose of talking things over the negotiating table, State Government representatives including Principal Secretary (Home) Dr Suresh Babu and the Union Joint Secretary in charge of the North East Shambhu Singh hel.....
VISA office
IMPHAL, May 22 : In order to convenience to overseas travellers, a VISA office will be opened in Manipur within this year, said Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam. He was speaking at the flagging off ceremony of Mission Myanmar, a triagular effort of My.....
ATSUM stir
IMPHAL, May 22 : Putting up various demands, the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) has announced a Statewide ‘intense agitation’ for 38 hours from 5am of June 3 to be followed by a ‘sustained agitation’ for 38 days. This was announc.....
One day fast called
IMPHAL, May 22: Rongmei Lu Phuam (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) has urged all the Christians in the State to observe a fast on May 26 (Sunday) as a token strike against the eviction of Kabo Leikai residents by the Government. Talking to reporters at th.....
KSCWF executive members elected
IMPHAL, May 22: Holthang Mate, Rev JK Touthang and Thangkhomang Haokip have been elected as the chairman, vice-chairman and secretary of the Churachandpur district branch of Kuki Senior Citizens Welfare Forum, Manipur. Election of executive members of .....
SANSA urges authority
IMPHAL, May 22: Many lapses on the part of the Government were reportedly found at Leisan High school and Maichon PS in Ukhrul district. A team of Sagolmang Naga Students' Association (SANSA), Manipur had inspected the schools on May 21. SANSA presi.....
Biodiversity Day at Senapati
IMPHAL, May 22: As observed in other parts of the World, the International Biodiversity Day was held today in Senapati district with the theme 'Water and Biodiversity.' The Maram Students' Union (MKS) in collaboration with Senapati district administrat.....
DG AR visits State
IMPHAL, May 22: Director General Assam Rifles Lt Gen Ranbir Singh arrived on the two-day State visit on May 21 and was received by IGAR (S) Maj Gen UK Gurung at Tulihal Airport. The General officer visited far flung and remotely located posts of vario.....
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By : Sangai Articles
Awang BOC — The Centre of Attraction
By Arambam Kapil
Exactly at the centre of Manipur, there lies a bowl-shaped valley where the state capital Imphal is located. Again around the centre of Imphal, the historic Kangla Fort is situated and is surrounded by several landmarks such as the Imphal river, a couple of classy hotels, the commando complex, the old interstate bus parking, amongst others, on its northern side. This article is concerned with one place, which is again set precisely at the heart of these landmarks. This place, which we call North AOC or Awang BOC, is indeed the centre of attraction.
There is no surprise element why Awang BOC holds a significant position, for it is notorious for only two things: heroin and prostitutes. Yet it is surprising how this place has managed to live up to its name, still existing and entertaining the great motley of customers, even amidst and after all the movements and campaigns against drug and for morality in the state. Probably there are more reasons than meet the eye.
The question of bringing down this place and making it a safer place is still open on one hand, because there is an apparent and ample supply of numberless narcotics flowing in from all the corners to the nook and corner of the state. Just to take an example, the proximity of the state to the infamous Golden Triangle comprising parts of Myanmar, Thailand and Laos has long been held as one of the main reasons why heroin is easily available here. However, on the other hand, there is another question that is entirely close ended: Is the authority willing to make the neighbourhood a safer area?
There are allegedly so many havens for heroin and mobile units for manufacturing the stuff along the recently renamed National Highway 37, which inciden- tally passes through the ghetto of Awang BOC and proceeds further east towards Moreh. Or we should say, the route for smuggling and further activities starts near the border and runs backward along the NH 37. Though, the widespread availability of heroin in Churachandpur – the second largest town in the south-western part of the state – can be ascertained to other factors or routes.
For a long time, the entire Manipur has been bogged down by drug-related issues, much aggravated by the prevailing socioeconomic and political condition of the state. Heroin, which is also known as number 4 in local parlance, made it for the first time around the early 1980s and it has been spreading far and wide. Needless to say, there have been several movements against drug abuse and there are also many organisations, which are campaigning against addiction and working for rehabilitation of drug users. But the trouble is about Awang BOC making an exception, while stealing all the limelight, all for the wrong reasons. What is so special about this place that even hardcore anti-drug crusaders cannot interfere in its business?
It is much more complex than we have expected earlier why Awang BOC has never failed to let our folks lose themselves in daily doses of diabolical delectation. It is such a small place, yet in its littleness there is a deep-rooted malaise that an average Manipuri would find it hard to get rid of. Well, it’s another thing if someone doesn’t care – an ugly truth is that many of us simply don’t care, because our generation has become so selfish and greedy and afraid, and nothing exists beyond narrow, vested interests, all owing to the currents of our time.
For the record, there are police and officials from the excise and narcotics department, who are responsible for keeping the things in order. Unfortunately for our sensibilities and fortunately for the drug users, a kickback howsoever small the amount is only what it takes in a day’s dealing. Income generation has got a new name in the vicinity. As we talk about these things, we can visualise the covert actions of the big shots, who are running the show in this ill-famed location. This also raises an uncomfortable question on how much these players are in cahoots with the authority. Obviously, it will take much more than some paltry amount of bribes, nabbing well-dressed drug users and occasional seizure of drugs here and there for Awang BOC to survive on its notoriety.
How long will Awang BOC stay naked in full public glare? On a broader perspective, concerned citizens and activists are suggesting for a clear-cut policy on drug and narcotic substances. Lately we have been observing various signboards on informative one-liners related to drugs, sponsored by the state social welfare department, being put up along some of the busiest street corners in the valley. Action-oriented initiatives will also be appreciated besides the reading and writing of the fine quotes on living a drug-free life. Another mandatory measure is a fool-proof mechanism to nab the big players, rather than resorting to taking bribes and arresting small-timers. Else Awang BOC will primarily remain the centre of attraction and clearly the reasons for its staying in public attention are something we will never be proud of. Cynics see no solution in the near future; but better late than never.
Joyraj
I remember my school days,when I had to avoid the BOC road,but have to make my route longer going by the stadium road. Not because I fear the drug peddlers nor the prostitutes,but just because what if someone known to me sees me walking,driving around BOC!?! Still today,certain elders term this place as a dirt. Yet no-one is turning up to clean the dirt!!
no_compromise
where r the AMADA,CADA n so on gone n the govt agency,r they paid?
Yelis Yengkhoiba
As Awang B.O.C. has been the hub for travelers for many many years with nearby accommodation providing hotels like Imphal Hotel, Tampha and now The Hotel Classic, a mix breed of all type of people accumulate here trying to make business and earn profit. In other words, this area becomes one of the most powerful sales territory for any person selling their business. The unorganized market structure, corrupted govt. officials, less vigilante and many other endless causes have led to the breeding of this drug and prostitute asylum. The inflow of drugs will continue as long as there is a nefarious and classified route of sneaking in drugs inside the state. Sometimes I wonder if the Govt. is totally blind. Prostitution can be ended if people are given equal opportunities for welfare and development. Manipur has an exhaustive checklist of attractions and places of interest that can be marketed and used as a Tourism Product. Thereby opening to a whole lot of employment opportunities. Vocational Trainings can also be given to promote such. However, no wonder how much this can work, it all depends on the people and the Government.
anukram
Awang BOC is a place were Police, Excise,Narcotic cells illegally collecting taxes from the PUDs and FSWs. this illegal collection of taxes goes to middle ranking officer, Even the off duty police personal were also involved in this illegal activities so Awang BOC will remained as it is because of these system.
Irengbam Yaitongba
I have never seen Awang BOC yet I know about this place more than the 1 I have seen. Why!
No one is Perfect
We shout, bark, point fingers and talk of culture and values, . . dress code . . as if we are the Holy Angels and the rest as Demons. The successful existence of Awang BOC shows the quality of our society and groups who talk loud but when seen money . . .smilingly goes home.
Ben
i think....CM zero...probably b d 1 to stop but he seems 2 b d 1 hu did ol dis
