Leader writer: RK Lakhi Kant
The human brain is a hard nut to crack. But after all it is a human component only and does feel strain when it is used excessively, or in old age and infirmity. However, its functioning is not the subject we are trying to take up. What we are trying to explain is that there are hundreds of old men and women, along with many people who remain unwell, in the localities all over the state. We see that such infirm people have to suffer immensely and sometimes have to pay with their lives when microphones start blaring in the neighborhood due to some social functions, political functions or musical programmes. The loud and raucous sounds are terrible and frightening for those who may be confined to their beds due to some illness etc. We are quite surprised that usually no one cares to complain when somebody in his or her family or someone in the neighborhood may be suffering due to the loud sounds. Public functions are normally meant to be held at the numerous halls, or other such spaces, allotted for holding them with proper arrangements. The GM Hall, Rupmahal Theatre etc. are good spots for such programmes to be held without causing disturbance to anyone. Otherwise when such programmes like the Thabal Chongba, Lai Haraoba and the various musical shows are held in the residential areas, or very near to them, the noise level is so high that instead of being enjoyable fares, the programmes become a kind of public nuisance. We don’t know why people like to use loud speakers and such heavy sound equipments for the holding of very traditionally sober functions like the above mentioned ones. We also wonder if the state pollution control board is aware of such problems occurring especially in the populated areas of the various localities of Imphal and other places in the state. And if they have not considered this matter till now, shouldn’t they do something to save the health and lives of the elderly and the sick. Localities like Thangmeiband are particularly affected as there are a number of open spaces here like the THAU Ground, DM College NCC Ground, Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy grounds, among many others, where such noisy programmes are held. We feel that the government should go so far as to even introduce a law against such public nuisance. Although we are not sure about how many people may be suffering due to loud sounds in their localities at a given time, we can be quite sure from experience that many people must be feeling very disturbed when they have to go through the ordeal of listening to a noisy bash in the neighborhood, even as they might be gravely anxious about their health and longevity. Organisers of the various programmes in Imphal’s neighborhood, especially, should be very careful about not causing disturbance to the infirm people. We have a women’s vigilante force called the Nisha Bandh who are responsible for curtailing drug and alcohol abuse in their neighborhoods, but it is surprising that the matter we have cited has never been thought of or brought up for discussion, either in closed neighborhood circles or by the government. We feel that social bodies, village or town volunteer forces etc. should be sensitized about this very serious affair by both the government agencies like the police department, and social bodies functioning in particular localities. Moments of death and illness are those when someone’s life hangs by a thin thread. It is very inhuman to create a ruckus at such moments. We are sure many elders and ill people must have left their bodies while cursing the people behind many such noisy functions.

We would like to mention that we are not against the holding of social functions. Some form of fun and enjoyment is required in life, but the thing is that we shouldn’t intrude on other people’s lives while enjoying our lives. Events like the Thabal Chongba and Lai Haraoba are not merely some form of entertainment. They are part of our tradition for ages. We would suggest that organizers of such shows completely refrain from using electronic equipments like microphones, amplifiers etc. at these functions. We can enjoy even without the blaring sounds. In fact the functions would be much better appreciated and loved if the music is natural, without the electronic support. Electronic music does not go well with our tradition. The physical expressions at the Thabal Chongba etc. will be more accentuated if we dance to the rhythm of music created by physically strong drummers and expert musicians. The loud electronic music used today is so jarring that our natural feelings and emotions are lost and drowned in the din and confusion created by the noise. To experience the beauty of the moon people always prefer a quiet and secluded place. Thabal Chongba literally means ‘dancing in the moonlight’ and to experience the beauty of the moonlight and the romantic dance, a non-electronic atmosphere would be certainly preferable and also enjoyable. We feel that to revive the Manipuri traditions it would be very necessary to make some changes in the way we look at these festivals and functions. We also feel that social awareness should be raised by whoever is sensitive to such issues, because this is something which involves the health and well being of our own selves, our elders, our localities etc.