Puya destruction remembered on Black Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 18 2009: As in the previous years, the 23rd day of Wakching (Manipuri calendar month) on which day puyas (chronicles) were consigned to flames enmasse in 1729 was observed today as Black Day under the aegis of the Meetei National Front (MNF) .

The function held in commemoration of the day on which puyas were consigned to flames in front of Kangla Uttra was attended by a number of people belonging to different indigenous groups.

After taking out a public procession from Hapta Kangjeibung till Kangjeibung and again returning to the starting point, cultural dances of different ethnic groups were presented besides holding a meeting.

A rally being staged to mark the burning of the Puyas in 1792

Giving the key-note address, MNF vice-president Thokchom Wangamba Meetei noted that the unfortunate event of burning puyas pulled apart different ethnic groups and sowed seeds of distrust among them.

Former Minister RV Mingthing said that the day of burning puyas was the day when all people were hurt deeply.

Observing that Puyas were the guide of this land, he lamented that Manipuris since then have become a Nation without any guide.

He also called upon all to make up this deficiency.

During the observance, the Maichou Ningshing Mana was conferred on Naoriya Amusana.

The Chingmi Tammi Nungshi Khudol Mana was awarded to Lhouvum Shatkho.

Today's observance was graced by titular king Sanajaoba as chief guest.

Other presidium members were Ch Wangambi Leima of MNF, former Minister RV Mingthing, former IGP Abdul Rehman, Motbung Village Authority advisor L Lhouvum Shatkho, Khongbal Khamenlok Area Development Committee president L Katui, Naoriya Amusana of Hailakandi Laishram Khul, Assam, MNF advisor Moirangthem Naodalenkhomba , Kangla Fort Board member Sairem Nilbir, MNF advisor Tokpam Thawailemba, Deputy Director of Manipur State Archives Dr K Sushila, president of the United Manipuri Muslim Women Development Organisation Anwari Nurjahan, Maram Centre chief K Tarumba, former chief of Icham Kom Keirap Luthatsomy Kom, chief of Purumchumbam Chothe Kom Y Maipakchao Chothe, advisor of the Moreh Meetei Lai Thougal Kanglup Yensenbam Toungamba, headman of Sadhu Koireng Ngirel Koireng, Purum Likli chief Renalchomy Purum, social worker Sathang Haokip from Churachandpur, Henboi Misao of Women and Child Development, former chief of Thangal Surung K Abung Thangal, Longa Koireng chief S Sothel Koireng, Oriental College lecturer Dr TB, script writer Chana Lukhoi , president of Malem Leishemkol Kangla TM Rajen Ayangba and advisor of Umang LaiThougal Lup Jiri Lairembi Leikai Hamom Dhani Meitei.