'Public hearing organized by the Manipur Pollution Control Board to gauge the opinion of the people was a dismal show' IMPHAL: The attempt of Indian government to explore oil at Jiribam sub-division of Imphal East district has started facing rough weather with all sections of people objecting to it. It did not come as a complete surprise that public hearing organized by the Manipur Pollution Control Board to gauge the opinion of the people was a dismal show. Except for the handful of protestors the hall was deserted much to the chagrin of the officials and oil exploration contractors. An agreement was signed between the Indian government and M/s Jubilant Oil and Gas Pvt Ltd, Netherlands on July 19, 2010. The company has planned to explore oil at the Jiribam sub divison and Tamenglong district. Ajay Bishen of the Netherlands company made a power point presentation about the oil exploration works and the benefits that people would get directly and indirectly. Those who are against the oil exploration said that the company did not say a single word about the demerits of the project. They contend that there would be irreparable losses in environment. When the officials sought the opinion of the people those who were present in the meeting displayed placards protesting against the attempt to explore oil. Later a large number of people took out a procession registering their protest. All shops pulled down shutters and educational institutes were closed down. Altogether 32 representations were submitted by the protesting people.