Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 11:
With the single-minded objective of re-establishing fraternal relationship amongst the scattered Meitei people a two day seminar under the theme "Meitei Puwarigee Khongul Leeba" was held at Amarajan of Karbi Anglong district in Assam on October 8 and 9. In addition to a delegate from Manipur, Meiteis living in Assam State converged at Isaac Newton English School premise in Bokajan sub-division for the seminar co-hosted by All Karbi Anglong Meitei Association (Akama) and Meira Paibi Lup, Bokajan sub-division wherein participants expressed inevitability of organising such seminar annually.
The inaugural day programme of the seminar attended by representatives of Meitei organisations from Diphu, Sivasagar, Hatighar, Uriamghat, Amarajan and Amarajan Khunou was presided by Akama president Y Manik Singh with information and public relation secretary of International Peace and Social Advancement (Ipsa) Chingkhei Luwang, Kangleichal president Luwang Leima Chanu and principal/secretary of the host school Naresh Singh gracing the occasion as guests of honour.
The session was kicked started with a public debate pertaining to 'enforcing inner line permit in Kangleipak (Manipur) and objection to birth control measures' presented by Luwang Leima.
Speakers at the session interpreted country's family planning programme as an act of voluntary genocide specially in the backdrop of unchecked influx of outsiders into Manipur.
The second day began with a paper presentation by UCM's secretary general O Hemanta on the seminar theme followed by former Executive Engineer (PHED) Ibomcha Mangang's paper on 'Meitei Culture'.
While a section of the Meitei population at the seminar venue appreciated initiatives of Manipur's Meiteis to rekindle the fraternal bond some expressed apprehension whether the move is too late too little.
However, either section were unanimous in hailing such an emotional venture and expressed confidence that the endeavour would certainly pave the way in strengthening the indelible relationship for a brighter future of all.
After-session discussions and consensus on organising such seminars at various Meitei populated places of Assam were the other highlight of the Amarajan congregation.
Diphu region would host the next seminar on october 8 and 9 for which an organising committee was also constituted at Amarajan.