'Rename Manipur if related to Mahabharata'
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 14 2023:
While suggesting renaming of Manipur if the name 'Manipur' is truly associated with the one mentioned in the epic, Mahabharata; six student bodies have categorically stated that it is time to discuss renaming of Manipur by an indigenous name which would be acceptable to all the indigenous communities of the state.
In a joint release, All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU), Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF), Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), Kangleipak Students' Association (KSA), Students' Union of Kangleipak (SUK) and Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS) condemned the Union Home Minister Amit Shah for attempting to distort the history of the state and mislead its people.
It continued: "The Manipur mentioned in the epic Mahabharata is not the existing Manipur and as such, all attempts to distort the history of the state should be halted.
The land began to be called "Manipur" only in the 18th century.
Thus, the time is ripe to discuss renaming of the state by an indigenous name acceptable to the indigenous populace of the state".
Stating that this suggestion is to ensure the future generations are not confused about the history, culture and identity of the state and also to serve as a protective measure against any such confusion; the student bodies said that everyone is aware of the changes brought on by the spread of religions from the west of Manipur and the threats posed to the philosophy, culture and be lief system of the indigenous people.
As land could stand strong against outside influences due to presence of written records such as the Royal Chronicle 'Cheitharol Kumbaba', written constitution 'Loyumba Sinyen', its own unique art, culture, tradition and customs, attempts were made to distort Manipur's history instead.
"In the 18th century, Manipur underwent a cultural imposition with the burning of the Puya and forced feeding the lie that the land is actually the Manipur mentioned in the epic Mahabharata.
As its identity underwent changes, the land was named Manipur and the foreign religion was mixed with the indigenous religion, resulting in the masses becoming followers of a foreign religion.
The student bodies then said that the people and many scholars at the time voiced their strong objection against this imposition.
The threat was so great that there was an incident of disturbance to the Kolu of Lainingthou Sanamahi.
Nonetheless, the new generations are now embracing the indigenous culture and searching for their origins, which is a good thing.
"An example of this is the annual pledging ceremony of Nongkhrang Erupha.
Even the then king Okendra assumed the name, Pareihanba.
As such, the people of Manipur are well aware that 'Manipur' mentioned in the Mahabharata is not the present state of Manipur in existence," the release conveyed.
It then stated: "As per the Mahabharata, the character Arjun visited Manipur and wedded princess Chitranganda, who then gave birth to Brabubahan.
Brabubahan then paired with Enung Haoba-Konu and gave birth to Nongda Lairen Pakhangba.
This false narrative was forcefully fed to the elders of the time in an attempt to make the people forget their origins, with some unscrupulous elements supporting this destruction of our roots.
"Fortunately, the new generations are aware of the wrongdoings that have been committed.
However, during his visit to the state on January 6, the Union Home Minister reiterated this false narrative to fool the people.
This has raised suspicions if any hidden agenda are in work.
Thus, any such attempts to distort the origin and history of Manipur should be prevented at all costs", the student bodies asserted.