Umanglai Haraoba annual conference : CM moots reviewing House resolution
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 19 2014: Though the State Assembly has already passed a resolution that Umang Lais will be brought under the Govindajee Temple Board, Chief Minister O Ibobi today asserted that the bill would either be reviewed or withdrawn.

Addressing the annual conference on Umanglai Haraoba at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen today, the Chief Minister said that necessary measures will be taken up either to withdraw or review the bill passed by the Assembly earlier.

Seeking to strengthen the culture and tradition of the land and the people, the Chief Minister said that no efforts would be spared to see whether a Directorate to promote the culture of the land can be set up.

The Directorate will come up under a relevant Act, he said and added that preserving the age old practices of the forefathers is the bounden duty of everyone.

It will also be studied whether the Directorate can come up under the Department of Art and Culture, he said and invited the suggestions of the people.

All should protect the age old culture of observing Umang Lai Haraoba he said and added that even some scholars from outside the State had evinced interest in conducting research on Umang Lai Haraoba.

Committing the Government to the duty of protecting the age old customs and practices of the people, the Chief Minister said that pensions are being provided to the Amaibas and Amaibis.

Moreover there is also the provision to provide free education to the children of Amaibas and Amaibis till Class XII, he said.

The Chief Minister invited the people to submit their proposals so that the provision can be made available and added that no efforts should be spared to ensure that everything that can be done are done for the Amaibas and Amaibis.

The function was organised by Umanglai Kanba Apunba Lup (UKAL).

Acknowledging the steps taken up by UKAL to preserve the age old customs and practices, the Chief Minister said that all efforts should be taken up to ensure that the traditions and customs passed down by the ancestors are protected and preserved.

Calling on the people to ensure that the age old practice of Lai Haraoba are not diluted, the Chief Minister said that avenues would be studied if relevant laws and Acts can be passed to preserve the age old practice.

Stating that there are schemes to benefit those who have dedicated their lives towards preserving the age old practices of the people, the Chief Minister said that efforts should be put in for grant-in-aid.

Citing an example, the Chief Minister said that the budget for the Govindajee Temple has increased from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh now.

MLA T Mangibabu, former Minister L Jayentakumar and retired Principal and chairman of the organising committee, N Kangjiya Mangang attended the function as the president and guests of honour.

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