Gaan Ngai is secular: Kabui bodies
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 31 2021:
Saying that the alleged resolution taken by the Cabinet to give authorisation of organising Gaan Ngai festival to a committee which follow Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak (TRC) faith, Kabui Union, Manipur (KUM), All Manipur Kabui Women's Organisation (AMKWO) and All Manipur Kabui Students' Union (AMKSU) have urged the State Government to revoke the decision if taken truly.
The three Kabui organisations claimed that this Cabinet decision was announced by Social Welfare Minister Okram Henry during State level Gaan Ngai celebration held at Palace Compound on January 26, 2021 .
Briefing journalists at Manipur Press Club, today, KUM president, Dr K Hera stated that the authority of announcing such a big religious decision lies only with the Thoubei.
Dr Hera appealed to all to respect the secularist values enshrined in Indian Constitution and not interfere in the religious matters of Kabui by attaching names such as Zeliangrong and TRC.
"Let Kabui live as Kabui," he added.
Dr Hera urged the State Government to stop making efforts to abolish the true identity of Kabui by 'forcing' them to follow TRC faith and attaching Zeliangrong name in their religious matter.
Asserting that Gaan Ngai is a festival of Kabui and communities close to them are aware of it, he added that Kabui people will not accept any attempt that might tarnish their identity.
He then urged the State Government to revoke the decision if taken at the earliest.
Saying that Kabui is not a part of Zeliangrong which is formed by three tribes - Zeme, Liangmei and Rongmei, he asked on which foundation the Government is linking the Gaan Ngai festival with the TRC.
The Joint Tribes Council had announced last year that there is no Zeliangrong nomenclature anymore and Zeme, Liangmei and Rongmei tribes have resolved to exist as independent tribes, he recalled.
It would be better to abolish Gaan Ngai celebration if the Government is going to disregard the age- old tradition of Kabui, Dr Hera asserted adding that the Kabuis will launch intense agitations if the Government fails to cancel the Cabinet resolution.