Thangjam Arunkumar calls for protection of sacred religious sites
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 31 2022:
Wangkhei constituency MLA Thangjam Arunkumar has underscored the need to safeguard and protect the sacred religious sites.
He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the 15-day workshop on Lai Haraoba held today at Palace Compound organised by Manipur Pandit Loishang.
The ceremony was presided by Wahengbam Lukhoi of Manipur Pandit Loishang.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Thangjam Arunkumar said that sacred sites such as Khurai Ahongei, Waithou Ching and Koubru were handed down by Manipuri ancestors but in the present they have the potential to become the root of inter-community tension.
In view of such circumstances, it is the duty of the people to safeguard such religious sites at all times and not merely during Lai Haraoba or other such similar events, he said.
|
The MLA also highlighted the importance of one's culture, tradition, religion etc and compared their erasure and degradation to the death of a community.
He then lauded Manipur Pandit Loishang for organising the workshop which serves to educate the youth about the community's age-old traditions.
He also suggested Manipur Pandit Loishang to draft a list of rules and regulations to be strictly observed during Lai Haraoba so as to avoid the occurrence of any distasteful incidents.
Pheiroijam Nando Luwang, president, All Manipur United Clubs' Organization (AMUCO) also addressed the gathering and asserted that as long as the tradition of Lai Haraoba remains alive, so also will Manipuri society.
However, its deterioration will mark the downfall of Manipuri society, he added.
Terming Lai Haraoba as the backbone of Manipuri society, he emphasized its importance and significance.
Further, he highlighted the importance of conserving the true form of Lai Haraoba tradition without any distortions or hyperbolic extravagance.
As a part of the ceremony, the second edition of Advance Ephemeris 2023 produced by Taanyei Loishang was also released along with the distribution of certificates to the participants of the 15-day workshop.