Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 03:
Expressing deep concern over the volatile situation that has besieged Manipur over the last many years, titular king of Manipur, Maharaja Leishemba today said that Manipur, which once existed as an independent Nation, is today placed in a precarious position with uncertainties all over.
Speaking to the media at the Sana Konung today, Leishemba said that the fate of the State is today in the hands of a few vested interest people, who have no sense of obligations to work for the people.
Manipur is today like a rudderless ship, drifting in the wilderness, said Leishemba and added that the age old beliefs and practice of unity and brotherly co-existence have been given the short shrift.
"The immediate task before all of us is to look at ourselves anew and see how we can improve the situation and save the people and land from further degradation," said Leishemba.
The time has also come for us to study the history of the land not only from within the confines of the State but also by looking beyond the present boundary, he stressed.
The identity of the indigenous people of the place cannot be subjugated by any outside influence, he said and added that it is important to study and ac- knowledge the social structure that existed during the days of the Maharajas.
If the social structure of yore is allowed to disintegrate then the identity of the indigenous people will be at peril, he observed.
The only way to save the land is to protect the tradition which has been handed down the years by the ancestors of the land.
Sana Konung is the symbol of the people and the land, said Leishemba and stressed that even today this place is the epitome of the identity of the indigenous people of the land.
On the drive likely to be taken up by the State Govt around the periphery of Sana Konung, Leishemba said that the Govt may have its own plans but till date no information has been given to the Sana Konung.