Akaba's death anniversary observed : Twin foundation stones for Akaba, Suisha statues laid
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 13 2014 : The 8th death anniversary of Chingsubam Akaba was held today at Wakha Leimaching.

After offering floral tributes to the statue of Akaba and photograph of Suisha, foundation stones were laid for twin statues of Akaba and Suisha.

The death anniversary function was jointly organised by the Meetei National Front (MNF), MEELAL and the Death Anniversary Commemoration of Meeyamgi Luchingpurel Chingsubam Akaba.

Titular king Sanajaoba, MEELAL president Sadokpam Tomba and former Minister RV Mingthing graced the function as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

DIPR Director Wangkheimayum Rajen, LUCANIL trustee member Pheiroijam Rajendra were also seated on the dais as guests of honour.

Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) president Artax A Shimray, R Suisha Trust chairman Dr Ngohorshai Luithui, Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long vice president Mathankhui Zimik, PANDAM executive editor Namoijam Tomba, KIMACS president Saikhom Nodiya Mangang and United Manipur Muslim Women Development Organisation president Anwari Nurjahan were also present at the function as special invitees.

Twin foundation stones for Akaba, Suisha statues laid

Giving the key-note address, convenor of the orga- nising committee Moirang-them Naokhomba said that Akaba dedicated his life for revival and popularisation of Meitei Mayek.

It was under his leadership that an intensive and sustained protest movement was undertaken for three months in the early part of 2005 following which an agreement was signed with the Government on May 18, 2005 .

In accordance to the agreement, Meitei Mayek was introduced in standards I and II.

Because of the relentless efforts of Akaba, Meitei Mayek as well as the Meitei identity and indigenous religion survived and they are not growing at a healthy pace, Naokhomba said.

Titular king Sanajaoba underscored the importance of frequent interaction between people of the hills and the valley in order plug in and avoid any sort of communication gap.

The foundation stones laid at Wakha Leimaching for Akaba and Tangkhul leader Suisa is the first step of showing 'we all are one' .

He also announced that Rs 50,000 would be donated towards construction of Suisa's statue out of Rs two lakh donated by Irom Sharmila for preservation of royal palace.

He also sought donation from public towards construction of Suisa's statue.

Artax A Shimray said that Chingsubam Akaba was a visionary who believed in peaceful co-existence of hill people and valley people.

He had clearly grasped what the Hindu religion had done to the people and the society.

It had changed the value system and graded some people as polluted, built caste system that did not exist earlier and had brought many forms of discrimination and discriminatory practices.

It had led to polarization of the people of the hills and valley and the only way to redeem from this injustice was to revert to the traditional Sanamahi religion and there his other associated movement and revivalism of rituals like veneration of the seven Salais, reviving the Meitei Mayek, celebration of Mera Hou Chongba and commemoration of Puya Meithaba.

His vision was lived through the mission he undertook not as a revivalist but also as someone who placed the welfare of people above individual's interest, Artax Shimray said.

RV Mingthing said that this year's death anniversary observance is different from the previous years.

It is heartening to see that serious efforts were put to remove all sorts distrust and enmity between Meiteis and tribes.

Mingthing further called upon the people to strive for realising the common vision of Akaba and Suisa which was unity among the indigenous people of Manipur.

He said that he was elated on seeing so many Tangkhul leaders at the death anniversary function.

Later, the function culminated with presentation of the 7th Meeyamgi Luchingpurel Chingsubam Akaba Ningshing Mana to Pichul Anal and Tokpam Thawailemba.

The award carries a scarf, a memento and cash incentive of Rs 10,000 .