Dr. Elangbam's outbursts can be understandable as every learned Manipuri who are leading a much decent life elsewhere shocks of things happening in our home state. Be it terrorism, politics, corruption, boycotts, dictates and what not.
People are used to it but yes for a learned few
it is difficult to lead a normal life, there by seeking solace to other
religions.
In the last few decades we have seen our generation accustomed to
PHOREN way of life and culture.
Our society is ever ready to accept
anything new you name it we have it, be it for the sake of necessity or for
fantasy. We have paid a heavy price for that.
Let us segregate the religion and society here Prof. Ningomba might mean Mitay Budhists (Mitay???? sounds a new group of people) as minority he is right there. But Meitei as a society is majority in Manipur.
I am a bit confused about the use of Meitei, Meethai, Meetai, Mithai,
Mee Atei (each day these pseudo scholars come up with funny names) and
the difference it has with Manipuri. Are we Manipuri or
Meitei/Mithai..as whole or something else, hope some expert in his own right can
enlighten us.
Is Meitei/Meetai..etc. name of a religion or name given to a
group of people living in some particular place and Manipuri, people
born and brought up in Manipur? Is there anything wrong with people among
these groups following a different religious way of life and naming
themselves as Meitei Muslim, Meitei Christian, Meitei Budhist, Meitei
Bahai so on?
Forget about minority and majority. I suppose, it's a creation
by the politicians. In the eyes of the LORD everyone is the same. If
you are a true believer and follower of whatever religion you are a
human.
Let's not divide among minority and majority, we can do it to save wild
life say Elephants, Tigers, Lions etc are Minorities, think of the
majority! And stop poaching them, right.
With the advent of more religions, Manipur became the killing field
since people started hating their own brethrens for leading rather
indifferent way of life.
Mosques and Churches were torched, why? By whom?
Aren't we too Indianised , when they demolish the Babri Masjid we attacked
the Meitei Muslims and killed innocent lives.
And when Christian missionaries were attacked and killed elsewhere in India we
demolished churches in Manipur.
May be the causes are different or are a matter of coincidence. It is very sad that these things are happening in
Manipur, which is among the top literate states in India. If we want to
be Indianised then let's root Democracy and Socialism, the basis of
Indian Constitution. Are we heading to a UP and BIHAR here?
Coming to Sanamahism we need more literatures, dedicated missionaries
and schools on the lines of Madrasas (please do not misidentify with
terror factories as put by the western media), Christian Theological
Schools, etc.
It will be difficult to propagate our indigenous religion if
our own scholars are marketing PHOREN religions. But let us not forget
"Meegi Mama Masak Fajabada Eema Kauba Yaaroi".
Since we are a democracy
one has the right to follow a religion of his/her own choice. But the
most important part will be to inculcate and instill moral values in our
young generation so that the future stands bright for a unified Manipur
and Manipuris irrespective of caste, creed, culture and religion.
Let me remember once again father of Manipur (I hate to use JANANETA) Hijam
Irawat
" Sak U Sak U Joy Joy.
Apunbana Oini Joy"
Mohammed Sirazul Haidar , a Librarian for Real Estate developer, EMAAR Properties in Dubai, contributes regularly to e-pao.net
You can email the writer at [email protected]
This article was webcasted on 25th October 2005.
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