Dwindling Meetei population worries MLAs
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 17 2023:
Keirao MLA and PDA chairman Lourembam Rameshwor has stated that Meetei community can be saved only by the Meeteis themselves.
Speaking at the Meetei Students' Meet organised by Meetei Students' Association (MSA), Manipur University at MU centenary hall on Friday, MLA Rameshwor highlighted the need for special focus on Meetei community as the population of the community is dwindling.
The community confined in the valley area is in a critical condition that they could be compared to the endangered Sangai deer species, he said.
While urging the people, particularly the youth, to extend support to the elected representatives as and when they take up developmental projects, the MLA also encouraged the public to criticise and point out boldly if any of the elected representatives do not perform their bounden duty satisfactorily.
He also pointed out that with the development of road connectivity and increasing influx of outsiders, there is apprehension over the future of Meetei community in the state.
As such, there is an urgent need to work together, he added.
Manipur Legislative Assembly speaker Thokchom Satyabrata, who also attended the event, said that every individual has the responsibility to save and protect the endangering Meetei community.
He continued that people should stop crab mentality and instead work together for development.
Change is inevitable, but people should stay boldly as Meetei and preserve their identity despite the changes brought on by globalisation, he maintained.
Forming of platform like Meetei Students' Association so as to unite the Meetei community during this crucial juncture is laudable, Satyabrata continued, while adding that it is time to unite and strengthen Meetei society.
The programme was also attended by Moirang MLA Thongam Shanti, Wangkhei MLA Thangjam Arun, Patsoi MLA Sapam Kunjakeshwor and CESD Manipur University director Ch Arunkumar along with representatives of different organisations and student organisations.
MU Manipuri Department student Yaikhom Rabina bagged title of 'Laibak Fabi Chanu', while Teacher Education Department student Sapam Rahul won 'Laibak Faba Piba' award during the meet.