Lup decries construction at Pandit Loishang complex
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 26 2021:
Pandit Loishang (Marup Loishang) Kanba Lup has urged the authorities concerned for ceasing of construction work of temple by acquiring the shed of Manipur Pandit Loishang complex where Ibudhou Pakhangba, Ibudhou Nongsaba and Ima Yumjao Lairembi have been worshiped since time immemorial.
Addressing a press meet held at Manipur Press Club on Monday, Lup convener Ngariyanbam Khomba stated that the chief minister should not remain partial in this regard and if the temple is not removed from the place, they are ready to launch an agitation.
He also sought the attention of the public and CSOs on the matter.
Khomba pointed that religious rituals were being carried out every year at the present site of Pandit Loishang located east of Takhel Khong, Palace Compound.
The hall served as worship place for Ibudhou Pakhangba, Nongshaba and Ima Yumjao Lairembi has been dismantled and redeveloped along with Govindaji Temple from the month of July this year.
The place is being constructed for keeping the 'Kangkhong' (wheels) of 'Kang' of Govindaji Temple without allocating an area for worship of the ancient deities, he stated.
Khomba continued that many memorandums had been submitted and talks held with Shri Shri Govindaji Temple Board chairman and chief minister N Biren asking not to construct a structure for keeping the 'Kangkhong' as well as safeguarding the site of Pandit Loishang.
On July 17, a meeting was again held with the chief minister who assured that construction will be done without disturbing the status quo.
But a protest was held at the construction site on Sunday after the construction work was carried out contrary to assurance of the chief minister, he mentioned.
Khomba informed that a committee named Pandit Loishang (Maru Loishang) Kanba Lup has been formed by CSOa, meira paibi, amaiba amaibi and members of Pandit Loishang in connection with Sunday's incident.
They have not raised any objection on taking over of land of Manipur Pandit Loishang by Shri Shri Govindaji Temple Board for construction, but they cannot agree to construction of temple, keeping of Kangkhong of Kang and cow shelter at the site, he asserted.
Khomba observed that if the temple is established at the place, then the ancient traditions and historical items kept at the shed of Ibudhou Pakhangba, Ibudhou Nongsaba and Ima Yumjao Lairembi will be lost.
Earlier, they hadnot objected to any construction by Govindaji Temple Board after an agreement was reached in the presence of chief minister.
But now the temple is being constructed in violation of the agreement, he said.
Khomba further contended that with the appointment of one Manoharmayum Barish as section officer of Shri Shri Govindaji Temple Board the chaotic situation has cropped up.
He has no right to stop amaiba amaibi from entering Pandit Loishang, he maintained and appealed to the people and the CSO to look into the matter with all seriousness.