Civil bodies ban beauty contest indefinitely
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 26 2012: Seventeen civil society organizations of the state have banned Miss Manipur contest, 2012 which was scheduled on October 29 as well as all other 'beauty contests' in the state indefinitely.

The Miss Manipur Contest was supposed to be organized jointly by Miss Manipur Committee and Ibudhou Pakhangba Development Society.

The restriction also include to those "beauty contest" held at various community, village and district levels.

The ban came after two of the contestants, one wearing transparent shirt without any inner cloth and the other showing her inner wear while walking down the ramp, were caught on lens during the first screening conducted at Iboyaima Sumang Leela Sanglen on October 10 .

The announcement for ban on Miss Manipur Contest was made during a press conference at Manipur Press Club here today.

The press conference was convened jointly by 17 civil society organizations, namely, Poriei Leimarol Apunba Meira Paibi Lup, AMKIL, CHITUA, WACHAK, KANGLAMEI, AMAWAVA, KANGLEICHAL, EECHAL, CLK, Kanglei Women Society, KWWA, NLYAK, Nupi Samaj, Tammi Chingmi Nupi Lup, Meekhol, Macha Leima and MEPWAK.

Representing the 17 organisations, President of WACAK S Ibetombi said that other than Miss Manipur contest, all other beauty contests which insult the dignity of women will also be banned.

Ibetombi contended that the culture of beauty contest may be acceptable in western countries but Manipur has no place for such show in view of the prevailing situation.

Practicing of such culture without understanding the facts of the present day turmoil our culture is risky and the rich culture may be in jeopardy.

She further said that it is no time for the organizers, contestants or the designers to put the blame on each other for what had happened on the first screening round as the civil organization will not tolerate trading of women's dignity by organizing such extravaganzas.

The 17 organizations have also warned male imitating female (MIF transgender), describing their conduct as an insult on the dignity of women as well as other communities who were converting the traditional festival into beauty contest.

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