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Time of India
20-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
The great thrift valley: How the Northeast became India's style underground
LINE FROM MANIPUR Live Events NE LINE TO MAINLAND (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Online thrift is not for the faint of heart. In the fastest-fingers-first world, you have to call dibs on an item the moment it is released on the Gram. The drop is announced via Stories. You set the alarm, turn on notifications and still you might miss what you had set your heart on after seeing it in a sneak-peek. There are no pre-bookings and no favourites. But that is the thrill of thrifting—the one that got thrifting—a common term for buying second-hand, preloved goods—gains traction in India, the Northeast is emerging as the hub. A lack of retail shops in the past has created a culture of thrift in northeastern states where secondhand goods arrive in bales. Add to this their unique sense of style— and urban audiences in the rest of the country can't get enough of thrift lines from the north eastern states have secondhand markets—from Fancy Bazaar in Guwahati and Police Bazaar in Shillong to Bara Bazaar in Aizawl, Sunday second-hand market in Imphal and Hong Kong market in Dimapur Manipur-based Ngahon Tungshangnao , who set up his store Mirinwon in 2019, says it takes days to find the right products. He visits every thrift store in his hometown Ukhrul and travels to Imphal city and even other states to source. The clothing usually arrives in bales of 80-100 kg. 'I do drops twice or thrice a week on Instagram , sourcing items according to the seasons.'Tungshangnao, who loves his bucolic life with a side of high fashion, says it is convenient to start an online thrift store in the Northeast , but it has not been easy of late. 'Political instability poses challenges. And the internet gets banned whenever there's a riot. With no private couriers, one can't make quick deliveries either,' he Rachel Gwanile Thong started her store Assortments2.0 in 2016. 'I began by selling pieces from my wardrobe that I didn't wear anymore. To my surprise, people were interested. That encouraged me to start thrifting and sourcing pieces,' she says, adding that the interest has only grown of who runs the operation with her partner Limatenzuk Ozukum, sources everything from Nagaland—mainly Kohima and Dimapur. 'In the early days, I used to go around second-hand shops and dig through everything myself. Now, we have vendors who give us a heads-up when they open a new batch and we get the first pick. We source in bulk,' says says logistics is a challenge, but her customers have come to realise that quick shipping and fast deliveries are not possible from does two-three drops a week. 'I don't always follow themes, unless I happen to have a good collection of similar pieces. Otherwise, it's more of a 'what caught my eye' approach,' she contrast, Folkpants, run by the sisters Linno and Lumri Jajo, from Ukhrul, puts out thematic drops. Lumri Jajo says thrifting was a natural progression of their love for clothes and fashion. 'During college, we organised successful garage sales at our home in Delhi,' she says they observed a lack of quality and unique clothes at affordable prices for conscious consumers. As they sourced for their personal wear, they decided to curate items that didn't fit their style but were too good to pass up. Folkpants has recently done an all white edit for summer, a linen edit and even a vest edit. Jajo says, 'There are many thrift shops but some sell cheap items without quality or authenticity, while others have high prices but less curated selections. We stand out by offering quality products at reasonable prices.'With thrift shops launching on Instagram on a daily basis, curation, quality control and deliverables are the way risk analyst Aparna Balaji has thrifted from shops in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, and says they understand the meaning of thrifting. 'They carefully choose the pieces they put up. So, it's unique. It is sent through India Post , making it even lighter on the pocket and truly sustainable, what thrifting is meant to be,' says bag designer Sudha Sekhar has faced some issues. 'I am particular about the cut and fabric. These pages mostly get products from East Asian countries that almost always have smaller sizes. But some experiences have been good, like my footwear picks. I have been wearing some for three years,' she says. An abundance of polyester also bothers Shaingam Mashangva who runs The Mellow Lane says she tries to curate according to her clientele. 'One needs to really do some homework for the business to thrive. Understanding the customer's choice is very important. Since 90% of my clients are from places that are hot and humid, I mostly source comfortable natural materials,' says Mashangva, a physics teacher-turned-thrift business says sourcing good pieces has become tough: 'Sometimes after going through 1,000-3,000 items, we end up with just 40-90 good pieces.' She does a drop of 20-25 pieces. She sells 30-50% of clothes on the day of the drop but ends up with a lot of unsold items, which are put on sale after a couple of says, 'When you are selecting from 100 kg bales, you end up with a lot of defective pieces.' Most thrift shops, while selling items, mention even a small defect in products and that is reflected in the owners confirm demand from the mainland. Thong, who is a lawyer, says that even though Assortments2.0 is a side hustle, she has seen steady growth and strong support over the years. 'With more people embracing sustainable fashion, we are seriously thinking of scaling this into something bigger, hopefully a full-fledged brand.' Most of her buyers—from teens to people in their 40s and 50s—are from metro Tungshangnao started Mirinwon as a side hustle, but now it's a full-time business, thanks to the growing demand. He says, 'Thrifting has become cool. My consumers are from all over India, and they are 18 to 45 year olds.'Yet challenges remain. Mashangva says that each year the price of thrifted clothes is increasing as bad-quality thrift bales make it harder to get good pieces: 'While it's easy to set up an online thrift store, it is difficult to build followers because of the Instagram algorithm. And the number of followers matters a lot for this business.'Jajo says that whether the thrift stores will succeed depends on the individuals running it. 'We started small but have grown into a sustainable business over the past six years. Demand and growth have been steady, with 80% customers returning.' Jajo says many find the process of searching for unique items interior designer Lorraine Kerr told The Cut in 2013 on why she thrifts: 'The chase is the most fun part…. It's about the hunting and gathering!' The thrill of discovery is just a fingertip away.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
FNCC imposes indefinite bandh on Kuki movement over ‘German Road', cites threat to Naga land
Guwahati: The Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) has declared an indefinite bandh on the movement of Kukis within the foothill regions of Naga-inhabited areas, effective from midnight of July 18. The FNCC said the bandh is a "peaceful but firm protest" against what it describes as threats to the ancestral land, identity and security of the Naga people. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Artificial Intelligence MBA Project Management Technology Operations Management Management Data Science Product Management others CXO Healthcare Others Public Policy Digital Marketing Degree Design Thinking Finance Leadership PGDM Cybersecurity Data Analytics healthcare MCA Data Science Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Exec Cert Prog in AI for Biz India Starts on undefined Get Details B. Robin Kabui, secretary of the FNCC, said the first concern is the proposed construction of the German and Tiger roads through Naga ancestral territories "without prior knowledge or consent of the Naga people." The committee termed it a blatant disregard for traditional ownership rights. A road constructed in the hill region, called the ' German Road ', has raised concerns in the wake of the Manipur violence . Built privately during the ethnic conflict, it connects Churachandpur to Kangpokpi and is named after German H Kuki, leader of the Kuki National Front-Military Council (KNF-MC), a Manipur-based militant group. The road was reportedly built on the initiative of the militant leader German and was opened for public use in 2024. There are also several kaccha roads linking Churachandpur to neighbouring Mizoram as well as roads between Churachandpur and Myanmar, which shares a border with the district. Earlier, the Manipur Naga Youth Organisation (MNYO) had expressed strong opposition to the proposed construction of the Tiger/German Road from Motbung in Kangpokpi district to Churachandpur, citing objections over the road's naming. The organisation urged the Government of India and relevant authorities to reconsider the project and its implications, saying the term "Tiger/German Road" is associated with Kuki armed groups.
NDTV
17-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Supplementary Chargesheet Filed Against Manipur Firm For Cheating 5,000 Investors
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a supplementary prosecution complaint (SPC) against Manipur-based firm Birla Emporium, its director Yumnam Irabanta Singh, and others for allegedly defrauding 5,000 investors, officials said on Wednesday. The probe agency's action stems from multiple cases filed by the Manipur CID (Crime Branch) against Singh, who also headed another company, Ira Finance. Investigations revealed that between 2019 and 2021, Singh orchestrated a fraudulent deposit scheme, luring the public with promises of high returns. Instead, investor funds, estimated to be over Rs 250 crore, were siphoned off for personal gain. According to the ED, Birla Emporium and Ira Finance operated unauthorized investment schemes and offered "Loan Against Property" deals. However, properties pledged by borrowers were allegedly transferred and registered in the names of company staff and directors through sale deeds, effectively dispossessing the original owners. The scheme collapsed in early 2020, with the company shutting its doors and defaulting on investor payouts. Proceeds of Crime (PoC) were allegedly used to amass a portfolio of assets, including 85 immovable properties. Assets worth Rs 28.02 crore - both movable and immovable - have been provisionally attached by the ED. A prosecution complaint seeking confiscation of these properties was filed before a special PMLA court on June 6.
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
In a first, 3 major Meitei groups unite to meet MHA officials in Delhi today
1 2 Guwahati: In a first, a 19-member delegation comprising representatives from three prominent Manipur-based organisations headed by Meiteis — COCOMI, AMUCO and FOCS — will meet senior officials from the Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) in New Delhi on Monday, amid increasing calls to establish a democratically elected govt in Manipur. Leaders of these organisations previously met the home ministry officials separately but are now united to raise their demand jointly, as the Manipur crisis has lingered for more than two years now. Manipur has been under President's rule since Feb. The four key focus points where the three civil society organisations (CSOs) have planned to emphasise are — territorial integrity, opening of highways for free movement, resettlement and rehabilitation of the internally displaced people, and security for the farmers. The security of farmers has been a concern as Manipur has recently witnessed clashes between Kukis and Meiteis regarding the ploughing of lands in the peripheral areas, where Meitei farmers have gone for farming near Kuki settlements. Convenor of COCOMI, Khuraijam Athouba, said they will be pursuing the long-pending issues of the Manipur crisis and other key issues that need urgent solution. Seven members from AMUCO, seven from COCOMI and five members from FOCS have travelled to New Delhi on Sunday for the meeting, where the adviser (northeast) of the MHA, AK Mishra, and joint director of intelligence bureau Rajesh Kamble, are expected to be present. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Adidas Three Shorts With 60% Discount, Limited Stock Available Original Adidas Shop Now Undo The three organisations held a joint meeting at a hotel in Imphal on Saturday evening. "Farmers are not secure in the periphery areas. This must be highlighted seriously. Free movement along the national and state highways was assured by the home ministry in the first meeting but has not been successful. This should be discussed in the meeting for earliest and effective implementation of free movement in the highways," an AMUCO spokesperson said. Regarding the internally displaced people, he said their concerns have not yet been addressed to a satisfactory level. "The IDPs are living in a very pathetic situation, which we are witnessing," the spokesperson said. The three organisations are of the view that the IDPs should not be rehabilitated here and there, instead the focus should be on their resettlement in their original places. "We need to prioritise issues, while seeking lasting peace," Athouba said.
Hindustan Times
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Kuki, Meitei legislators urged to rise above politics to resolve ethnic conflict
Imphal, A Manipur-based civil society organisation has urged Kuki and Meitei legislators to rise above politics and take responsibility to solve the ethnic conflict in the state. Kuki, Meitei legislators urged to rise above politics to resolve ethnic conflict The organisation - World Meetei Council - acknowledged that "wrongs have occurred on both sides" and asked how long the people should continue to bear the pain. In a statement, the council said, "The conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities has persisted for over two years and two months, with countless lives disrupted, families shattered, and communities divided. Despite several efforts, the Centre has not been able to bring about the desired resolution." The World Meetei Council asked Kuki and Meitei legislators "to rise above politics and take ownership of the crisis", and said the people were suffering the most. "Above all, the most crucial role now lies with our MLAs. You have the people's mandate. You must act. The Meitei and Kuki MLAs must engage with each other, not wait for external intervention. You must lead - because if our elected representatives do not act, then who will?" the Meitei organisation said. More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023. The Centre had on February 13 imposed the President's rule in Manipur after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned. The state assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation. The central executive committee of the organisation met on Wednesday and held an in-depth discussion on the current situation in Manipur. WMC strongly believes that a single but meaningful step in the right direction can begin the journey towards normalcy, the statement said. Urging the authorities to open the Imphal International Airport to all citizens, the council said the Meitei community "must take the moral and social responsibility to ensure safety for all who arrive, regardless of community." It also said that the "national highways must be made accessible to all" and every community - especially the Meiteis and the Kukis - must ensure safe passage, free from violence and intimidation. "The recent gesture by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity, in welcoming both Meitei and Kuki victims of the Ahmedabad air crash at Imphal Airport, is a positive and symbolic move in the right direction," it said. "We are destined to live together. Let time and collective effort show us the path to peace," it added. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
