Only few follow indigenous religion: Minister
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 04 2023:
Among the 34/35 indigenous communities settling in Manipur since time immemorial, only few follow indigenous religion and this indeed is very unfortunate, stated education minister Th Basantakumar and stressed the need for promotion of indigenous religion, tradition and culture.
Minister Basantakumar stated this on the occasion of the state level Gaan-Ngai celebration-2023 held at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, here, on Wednesday.
The celebration function organised by State Level Gaan-Ngai Celebration Committee was also attended by Wangkhei MLA Th Arunkumar, Thangmeiband MLA Kh Joykisan and former ICHAM president Nonnthombam Rajendro (Boy).
Speaking as chief guest of the event, Th Basantakumar pointed out that Manipur is inhabited by different ethnic groups having their own unique culture, tradition and custom.
In view of this varied culture and tradition, Manipur is often considered as a mini-India and hence culture, traditions and custom of every indigenous community of the land need to be preserved.
However, it is very unfortunate that only few indigenous communities follow indigenous religion today.
Nevertheless, the Kabui/Rongmei community has been preserving the age old religion left by their forefather and this indeed is very encouraging, he said and stressed the need for extending support to such spirit.
While describing chief minister N Biren Singh as dynamic leader having far sighted vision, Basantakumar said that the first word N Biren Singh mentioned after taking oath as chief minister of the state was 'Go to Hill' and translated his words into action by bringing development in the hills.
Under the initiative of CM N Biren, learning of indigenous languages of the state as a pilot project to strengthen relation among different communities was taken up and the first such programmes had begun at Johnstone Higher Secondary School by providing Rs 10,000 as incentives to 250 people.
He then appealed to all the indigenous communities of Manipur to discard sectarian and separatist agenda and concentrate towards bringing speedy development to move forward.
He also gave suggestion to the organising committee for organising the state level Gaan-Ngai celebration under a different theme every year.