MMWO decries encroachment tag to Mantripukhri Masjid
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 20 2023:
Mantripukhri Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in Manipur with a history of over 105 years and has been in existence even before Manipur merged into India.
In 1963, it obtained the 'Dag khasra' number and has been paying property tax till date.
As such, it is extremely unfortunate and inexcusable of the state government to notify the mosque as an illegal encroachment, Manipur Muslim Welfare Organization (MMWO) has stated.
Addressing a press meet held at MMWO office on Friday, MMWO president Korimayum Boboy stated that Mantripukhri Masjid was established in 1918.Destroying a mosque, church or a temple is simply an act of disrespect towards the community following the religion and could lead to disharmony among the different communities.
Differentiating between the communities on the basis of religion, culture, custom and tradition would only lead to absence of peace and unity in the state, he remarked.
Contending that every religion places equal and sacred importance to its place of worship, Boboy said that followers of Islam not only offer prayers at the mosque everyday but also hold Namaz every Friday.
Mosques become most sacred during Eid-ul-fittr and Id ul-zuha.
Thus, Mantripukhri Masjid is an important place of worship for the Muslim community and as such, he appealed to the government to review its notice and instead help protect the mosque.
He further urged the people's CM to take note of the issue, while lamenting the failure to accept a meeting with Meitei Pangal bodies, Mantripukhri Masjid Committee and different CSOs till date.
Nonetheless, he continued to appeal to the CM to hold a sit-down with the Meitei Pangal community to bring about an amicable solution with regard to Mantripukhri Masjid.