PREPAK advocates heritage protection
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 17 2015 :
Greeting all the people of Kangleipak on the occasion of the World Heritage Day (April 18), the proscribed PREPAK has called upon one and all to protect heritage sites spread across different parts of the State.
The World Heritage Day is a reminder to one and all to remember and preserve one's past traditions and heritage, the outfit asserted in a statement issued by its assistant secretary, publicity and pro-paganda Leibakngakpa Luwang.
The 22nd general conference of UNESCO held in November 1983 resolved to observe April 18 as World Heritage Day in order to protect and preserve historical monuments and heritage sites across the world.
Saying that this year's theme is 'Wetlands for Our Future', the outfit underscored the importance of protecting and preserving all historical monuments, cultural heritage as well as wetlands which are fast deteriorating because of several factors.
On account of destruction of more than 800 wetlands, climatic conditions and ecology of the land have under- gone drastic changes.
It also listed a number of historical and heritage sites of Kangleipak which need preservation and protection.
The list included Chibu Nung located at Toniyang village in Churachandpur district, Lungpha monolith located at Phungyar in Ukhrul district and Tharon cave located in Tamenglong district.
Kangla, the most important heritage site of Kangleipak was occupied by Assam Rifles until November 19, 2004 .
Even as the Government of India selected and submitted a list of 21 sites to the UNESCO for declaring them as world heritage sites, Kangla was conspicuously not included in the list.
This was a clear indication how the Government of India views Kangleipak, the outfit asserted.
Even as all the heritage sites are closely associated with the past, present and future of the nation, the State Government has not done anything to preserve them sincerely except for some half-hearted activities aimed at hoodwinking the public, it alleged.
On account of such lackadaisical attitude of the Government, Kanglei culture which would be otherwise very much vibrant could not make much progress.
However, at some point of time Kanglei people neglected their traditions and legacy.
It is now time to learn from the past and pay due respects and attention to the culture and tradition of the nation, and embark on a journey of building a progressive nation otherwise the priceless assets embedded in 'our heritage' would be lost forever.
To build a society which has a bright future, it is crucial to preserve and protect all the historical and cultural heritage sites of the land, the outfit added.