Imphal, Nov 21 : After four years of ban, auditions/screening for Miss Manipur 2016 was conducted at Halley’s Models’ Grooming Studio at Lourembam leikai, Haobam Marak, Imphal on November 20, 2016.
Sonia said that the event is basically to provide a platform for today’s youth as they have potential to in the field of modeling and designing. We are just providing a platform for them to show off their talents so that they could at least boost their capacity to a larger platform in this field of fashion and designing not only in the North East level but also in National Level, she added.
Sonia appealed to all concerned not to impose any kind of bandh or blockade on the day and sought for co-operation and support from society in conducting the event successfully.
Out of the 33 participants, 20 have been selected to take part in Miss Manipur 2016 contest on December 6 at Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT).
The 20 short listed contestants are Mutum Singthoi Chanu, Gurumayum Olivia, Phapha Gachui, Sagolshem Sanjana Devi, Urmila Sagolshem, Oinam Thoibisana Devi, Ts Selina Chantingla, Sushma Naosekpam, Tursia Ayekpam, Takhellambam Joymati, Rk Linthoisana, Marleen Devi Soubam, Lamneimoi Chongloi, Christina Thiumai, Keipila Lovety Maram, Sharina Naorem, Rosia naorem, Moirengthem Alka, Teresa Meinam and Jenny Nenghoithem Suantak.
During the audition leaders from women organisation and other CSO were also present. Richana Khumanthem, Mutum Megharaj and Memyo Ningomba screened the models as jury members.
Meanwhile, in the year 2012, Miss Manipur beauty pageant was banned by 17 women’s organisations of the state, accusing the organisers and participants of commercialising the event, making it “sex-oriented” and turning women into “commodities”.
The 17 women’s organisations took the decision to ban the contest after seeing photographs of the contestants during the screening, where most of the contestants allegedly wore revealing outfits.