Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 25 2010:
Rally of local priests, traditional martial arts artistes, exhortation speeches and observing two minutes silence marked the Puya Meithaba observance held today at GM Hall.
Even though the main observance programme was held at GM Hall, the rallyists proceeded to Kangla where events that led to burning of ancient chronicles were re-enacted in front of the Kangla Uttra.
The observance is been organised for the past many years in remembrance of a particular event, which scholars claim took place in the year 1732 on the 17th day of Mera in the Meitei calendar.
It is said that due to influence of a Bengali scholar namely Shantidas Gosai, king Pamheiba, ruler of the then Independent Manipur (known as Kangleipak) ordered consigning of the Puya into flame.
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Puya is regarded by the Meiteis as a sacred and important compilation of historical events, tradition, culture and most importantly principle of human kind.
Thus burning of the chronicle is being assumed as one of the darkest chapters in the history of Manipur.
Today's observance organised by All Clubs Organisation and Meira Paibi Lup, Kangleipak was led by titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba with a number of scholars, cultural troupes of various communities and eminent personalities taking part in it.
After the rallyists assembled at Kangla Uttra, martial artistes displayed indigenous martial arts while the priests performed rituals invoking blessing of the almighty.
The participants then returned to GM Hall where various speakers were unanimous in stating that burning of the Puya is the chief factor for present day Manipur unable to make significant progress towards socio-economic and political emancipation.
They were of the opinion that destruction caused to the ancient chronicle at the behest of the Bengali scholar was part of a larger agenda of religious warfare.