56th foundation day of Meetei National Assembly observed
Pressing need for unity stressed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 21 2023:
The 56th foundation day of the Meetei National Assembly (MNA) was held at Manipur Press Club, today.
The programme began by observing two-minute silence in honour of all the people killed in the movement to keep the unity and integrity of Manipur intact.
Speaking as the chief guest, Lamlai Constituency MLA Kh Ibomcha said that the Meetei people must unite and build a collective force to safeguard the State.
Saying that no other communities would genuinely want the Meetei to prosper and progress, the MLA added that the responsibility to make Meetei people more vibrant lies only with themselves.
He also said that the Meetei people should research the lifestyle of 'our ancestors' along with their religious practices, culture and tradition and carry on their legacy.
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Continuing that other communities will respect the Meetei people only when the ethnic group becomes more advanced, Ibomcha maintained that the script, language and religion of Meetei must be protected along with the boundary of Manipur to strengthen the Meetei people.
Meetei which is a majority in Manipur will disappear if their legacy is not protected, the MLA cautioned.
All the Meetei people must stand united in the face of adversity, he said and added that disunity among the people is the major setback of the Meetei.
It is equally important for the Meetei people to understand the Constitution and their environment, the MLA said.
He also said that the religion of others must be respected while promoting Meetei faith.
Continuing that many followers of Sanamahi faith don't know whether it is Meetei or Meitei to be placed after their name including himself, Ibomcha maintained that an in-depth research must be carried out on the history of Meetei people and clear all the confusion.
Manipur is in a very difficult situation, the MLA maintained and appealed to all Manipuris to stand united irrespective of their political affiliation, religion etc to face the common foe and keep the State intact.
"We should not take the law into our hands while safeguarding the State," Ibomcha said and cautioned that the Centre may impose President's Rule in Manipur if there is complete lawlessness and no other options to restore normalcy in the State. The MLA concluded his speech after announcing to give Rs 10,000 cash incentive to MNA.
Chief advisor to MNA Ng Thambalngou said that MNA was established by the Meetei forefathers to protect the Meetei Nation.
Saying that the future of Meetei people will be uncertain if the Meetei Nation is not fortified, he said that the movement to strengthen Meeteis should be done with a farsighted vision.
Other leaders of MNA also attended the programme.