Monday, 20 August 2007

English fan clubs in Mizoram

Football-crazy Mizo youths, fans of English football teams like Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal have been trying to outscore each other in forming fan clubs of these teams.

Remruata Renthlei, one of the ardent fans of Manchester United said the Manchester United Supporters Association Of Mizoram (MUSAM), has more than 1,000 members all over the state and has a branch even in the remote Tlabung village bordering Bangladesh.

“We vowed our utmost loyalty and solidarity with the Manchester United and the members included primary school students and people over 40 years of age,” Renthlei said.

Ramdinthara, a college teacher and another convener of the MUSAM said that the members would contribute for Mizo Manchester United Fan Club in Hyderabad to purchase a TV set as a rival fan club had disallowed the Manchester United fans to watch the television which they purchased for watching football matches.

Football remains the most popular game for the mizo boys even as the state lacked the requisite sports infrastructure.

Source: hindustantimes.com

Mobile telephony modernising Mizoram

Aizawl, Aug.20: Mobile telephony is making a hug impact in Indian's north-eastern region.

The mushrooming of a large number of shops, exclusively selling cellular phone handsets in capital city Aizwal, showcase this new reality.

It's an interesting development considering the general impression that views most parts of the north east as basically 'remote'.

Aizawl alone has over 59,000 mobile users, and the number of landline users is on the decline.

Mahminga, a cellular phone shopowner, said: "Most landline users have chosen mobile phones because they can carry it anywhere and use it anytime. So, there are more people using mobiles at all income levels, from the richest to the poorest."

Joseph Zonunsanga, another shopowner, said: "These days mobiles are more popular. We opened this shop recently and it is doing good business."

V. L. Chhuanga, a cellular phone user, said: "I have been using mobile for the past five years. People from all walks of life are using mobiles these days."

The new gizmos have changed the old world view, brining about a new type of relationship dynamics.

Mali, another mobile user, said: "The mobile phone is useful for me, because I go out all the time and meet people all the time. I can do my job through a mobile phone."

BSNL was the lone service provider in the region, but is now facing stiff competition from private service providers.

The market has become more competitive, benefiting customers.

Inter connectivity has improved and had a positive impact on business in the State.

Source: dailyindia.com