Jiribam bodies refute article
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 02 2015:
Taking note of the article written by Dr Khomdon Lisam in connection with 'ILP and indigenous people' in the July 30 issue of this paper, the Rainbow Club, Islamabad, Jiribam, Jiri Ima Meira Paibi Apunba Lup, Islamabad unit and Apunba Jiribam Meira Paibi, Islamabad unit have urged the writer to correct the wrong publication and know 'our original history' .
In a statement, the three bodies said that the Meitei Pangals are descendants of Manipuris who were taken to Cachar district of Assam with prince Gambhir Singh and Nara Singh during the seven years devastation of Manipur (1819-1825) .
Stating that they migrated from Thoubal, Wapokpi, Banipur, Lungphou, Tolenkhul, Awang Leikai, Sabal, Singerbond, Moizing, Kontha, Khunja and Sangomsumbi of Cachar district to Jiribam with the Meiteis from 1937/38, the three organisations that the name Islamabad was given by their ancestors in connection with their faith in Islam.
It was during the time of Maharaj Budhachandra that Abdul Mazid was appointed as Muktar to look after the administrative affairs of Islamabad village, it added.
The statement further said that the Meitei Pangals of Islamabad village have their own surnames given by Maharaj Khagemba like Chesam, Thoubal, Sanjabam, Thangjam, Lairikyengbam, Moijing, Keinou, Tolaipabam, Makak Mayum, Ifam, Thampaknai and Bhasoi Mayum, etc.
Adding that they have not lost the cultures of their ancestors, the statement said that Meiteilon is their mother tongue and women wear clothings like phanek while men wear pheijom.
The three organisations also reminded that they have been involved in all the major issues of the land, such as demand to include Manipur language in the 8th Schedule, protecting the integrity of the State and the ILP demand.