India’s Manipur becomes rock music hub

DHAKA: In the far north-east of India, cut off from the rest of the country except via a narrow land bridge, perhaps the only way to make yourself heard is loud, really loud, rock music.

For White Fire’s drummer Elangbam Kumar, that explains why their cover version of the Guns N’Roses song ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ has become an anthem for the band and a big hit with their fans in the remote state of Manipur.

The state, which is 1,700km from the capital New Delhi, borders on Myanmar and has struggled for decades with separatist violence, a society divided among competing tribes and grinding poverty.

It is also an unlikely hub for rock and heavy metal music, boasting a burgeoning festival scene and local stars who have defied social and cultural boundaries to pursue their music.

BDST: 2030 HRS, JUN 23, 2012

Edited by Robab Rosan, Cultural Affairs Editor