Puya Meithaba
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 31 2014 : The Meetei National Front (MNF) and International Observation Committee on Puya Meithaba (ICOP) will jointly organise the 286th commemoration programme of Puya Mei Thaba on January 15, 2015 at different places including THAU ground.

Addressing media persons today at THAU Indoor Hall, convener of ICOP and vice-president of MEELAL, Moirangthem Naokhamba said the commemorative programme of Puya Meithaba has been organised to revive and show hill-valley people unity and oneness.

The main programme would be held at THAU ground, he said while adding that efforts are on to organise similar functions in Bangladesh and Canada.

The day would also be commemorated as Black Day and black badges would be worn by students.

One of the main highlights of the function at THAU ground would be staging of a play, Kangleipakta 1709, produced by the Manipur State Shumang Leela Council, Naokhomba said.

Constituent members of ICOP are Manipur State Shumang Leela Council, All Manipur Recognised Private Schools' Welfare Association, United Manipuri Muslim Organisation and MEELAL.

MNF members observed the day in 1978 at Mongba Hanba jungle without informing the public.

The next year, it was observed at Kangla with the public, he recalled.

The MNF has observed the day every year since then.

ICOP which was formed in 2011, collaborated with the MNF in organising the event for the last three/four years.

He said that ICOP and MNF are of the opinion that hurling accusation at each other regarding the date and place of the event would only sow the seed of mistrust in the revival movement.

Like ICOP and MNF maintained their silence on the observation of Puya Meithaba on 17th day of Mera, the two bodies also expected others to maintain their silence over the observance of the event on 23rd of Wakching, Naokhomba said.

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