'Mikon Thagonba' rituals conducted at Longsai accident site
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 17 2023:
Fulfilling request of the local villagers, a team of priests and scholars of Sana Konung (Royal Palace) conducted traditional rituals called 'Mikon Thagonba' at the accident site near Longsai village Part-3 in Noney district on Thursday.
Mention may be made here that seven students and two staff of Thambalnu Higher Secondary School, Yairipok were killed at the site on December 21, 2022 after the bus they were travelling in for a study tour to Khoupum met a tragic accident.
The rituals were conducted jointly by International Salai Punsibam and Uttra Shanglen of the Sana Konung.
Apart from the accident site, rituals were also conducted at other accident prone areas of Noney district like Longsai Part 1, 2, 3 & 4, Lukhambi Part 1, 2, 3 & 4 and Khuningthek Part 1, 2, 3 & 4 .
Regarding the rituals, Uttra Shanglen head priest professor Ng Kangjiya Mangang explained that 'Mikon Thagonba' rituals were conducted as per instruction of titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba subsequent to request from local villagers.
The villagers had requested the Sana Konung to conduct rituals at the accident site to absolve apprehension and dread felt by people while passing through the accident site, he said, and opined that fear of local people will vanish after the rituals.
According to professor Kangjiya, rituals at the accident site will be conducted twice and Leishemba Sanajaoba will surely attend the second rituals called 'Khumuk' though he could not take part in the first ritual on Thursday due to hectic schedule for G-20 summit.
Expressing resentment over non-participation of titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba and Andro MLA Th Shyamkumar in the ritual ceremony, Longsai village chief Kabidon Gonmei said that villagers anticipated participation of the king and Andro MLA as assured by the Sana Konung.
He also said that villagers were fully prepared to welcome the king and the MLA and all the preparations have been rendered meaningless.
According to Kabidon, the road turn at Longsai village is highly accident prone area and there had been around 48 accidents at this site and it is known as 'Gong-na Changkun' in Kabui dialect which means resting place for offspring of the kings.
He then urged the titular king to visit the site and give blessings to local villagers for peace and prosperity.
The team of priests and scholars comprised Lanjing Hanjaba, Maichou Purel, Lanjingpurel as well as male arid female priests of the Uttra Shanglen.