Artisans back new Handloom Director, decry estate neglect under ex in-charge
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 19 2026: Amid protests by some employees against the new Director of Handloom and Textiles, entrepreneurs and artisans have come out in support of the Government's appointment and alleged mismanagement under the former in-charge Director.

Powerloom Estate faces closure

Entrepreneurs operating at Powerloom Estate, Lamboikhongnangkhong have alleged that the Directorate is trying to shut down the estate.

Speaking to media at the estate today, entrepreneur Haodijam Devendrajit from Uripok Achom Leikai said the estate's transformer has been defunct for three years.

Despite repeated appeals to in-charge Director Elangbam Jiten for repair and restoration of power supply, no action was taken, he alleged.

He said the estate was set up with around 200 powerlooms to produce cloth at low cost, but due to negligence, some entrepreneurs have shifted their machines to other places.

Though the transformer was recently repaired hastily, the estate remains nonfunctional, he added.

The entrepreneurs welcomed the appointment of new Director W Ibohal.

They said the posting of Elangbam Jiten, who was earlier a Geologist in Commerce and Industries Department, as in-charge Director was unfortunate and alleged that the Handloom and Textiles Employees Union is trying to bring him back.

They said W Ibohal, who came from Sericulture, has long experience in Handloom and Textiles and had earlier done commendable work as Director Tourism, and expressed hope that the new Director will work for development of the sector.

'Protest against new Director unjustified'

Meanwhile, general secretary of All Manipur Primary Handloom and Handicraft Artisans Organisation (AMPHAO) Th Indira has said the protest by some employees of the Directorate against the newly appointed Director is unjustified.

Addressing a press meet at Manipur Press Club today, Indira said the Directorate is a very important department for weavers and handicraft artisans and the organisation welcomes the new Director appointed by the Government.

She questioned the interest behind some persons including employees of the department opposing the appointment and holding sit-in protests.

She appealed to the Government not to remain silent on the agitation by Government employees against an officer appointed by the Government, stating that the agitation without valid reason is hampering implementation of various handloom and handicraft schemes.

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