Govt urged to allow rituals at Khurai Ahongpung
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 16 2023:
Urging the authority concerned to facilitate conduct of rituals on the occasion of 'Saroi Khangba' which falls on February 25, the first Saturday of Manipuri lunar month-'Lamta' at Khurai Ahongpung which is one of the four sacred sites, Manipur Pandit Loishang has appealed to the government not to impose any kind of restriction with regard to the ritual ceremony.
Addressing media persons at its Palace Compound office on Thursday, Pandit Loishang priest Ng Khomba stated that annual activities of Pandit Loishang will commence with "Saroi Khangba" and conclude with the observance of "Kwak Tanba" ritual in the month of 'Mera'.
Informing that on February 25, the 'Saroi Khangba' ritual will be performed at Khurai Ahongpung, Kongba Soudon Pung, Kakwa Lamdai Pung and Tera Wangthonbi Pung, Ng Khomba expressed apprehension that the ceremony at Khurai Ahongpung might encounter issues as the area is dominated and controlled by non-Manipuris and the Teli community settling in the area has been carrying out their religious activities at the same spot.
Though the said spot and structures have been declared as a historical site in 2000 under the Historical Monument Act, other communities have been constructing various temples and creating problem during religious event of the indigenes.
Therefore, the government needs to protect the area and allow conduct of 'Saroi Khangba' ritual without any disturbance, he said.