CORPORATISING TOURISM IN MANIPUR TOURISM CORPORATISING a Dossier Indigenous Perspectives & EQUATIONS Indigenous Perspectives Corporatising TOURISMin MANIPUR Indigenous Perspectives EQUATIONS Corporatising Tourism in Manipur 2017 Editorial Team: Ram Wangkheirakpam Swathi Seshadri With inputs from Nandini Thockchom, Ratika Yumnam & Chingya Luithui Articles contributed by: Kalpana Thaoroijam Soraisam Devajani Jinine Laishramcha Sothing Shimray Design & Layout: Laishram Chinglen Cover Photo by Salam Rajesh Printer: National Printing Press, Bengaluru This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational, advocacy or not-for-profit purposes. We would appreciate acknowledging Indigenous Perspectives and EQUATIONS as the source and letting us know of the use. Copies available online. For print copies contact: Indigenous Perspectives Chingmeirong Maning Leikai Khongnang Ani Karak, Assembly Road, Imphal East - 795001 Manipur, India Tel/fax : +91 (385) 2422269 EMAIL :
[email protected] | URL : www.inperspectives.org EQUATIONS, Flat no - A2, 1st oor, No 21/7, 2nd Cross 1st A Main Road, Atmananda Colony, Sultan Palya, R T Nagar Post Bengaluru - 560032, Karnataka, India Tel : +91 (80) 23659711 / 23659722 EMAIL :
[email protected] | URL : www.equitabletourism.org Corporatising Tourism in Manipur Preface Tourism is not as innocent and benign as is largely perceived. Like any other developmental issue there are serious ramifications and implications for local economies, social and cultural fabric of the places promoted as tourism destinations, on the environment and biodiversity and on power rela- tions. The Government of Manipur in its endeavour to provide job opportunities and overall progress in the State, has been pushing tourism industry as the key source of economic growth. In the process, infrastructure development has been given prime attention.