Anals have close relation with Meeteis: Dr Sushila
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Gyanand Naorem

Kakching, March 29 2012: "The Anals and the Meeteis have closed ties since olden days.

It is the religion which separates the two communities in the public eyes", said Deputy Director of Manipur State Archives Dr K Sushila.

She was speaking as Chief Guest of a day-long Archival Awareness Cum Lecture Programme at Lambung village Community Hall, Chandel on March 27 .

The awareness programme was organised by Manipur State Archives in association with Lambung Youth Cultural Development Organisation, Chandel.

Dr Sushila further pointed out that all the different communities in the state have same origin.

Today's generation should not forget the close ties between the Meeteis and Anals which has been there since time immemorial.

History itself tells us how Ibudhou Wangbrel (Wangpurel) married Sangnu, a Anal girl.

There are still many historical stones which were believed to be used in competition held between the Anal and Meetei bachelors and Wangbrel at Anal Khullen.

However, the close ties between the two communities have widen after the advent of Hinduism in Manipur.

Subsequently, Meeteis followed Hinduism and Anals followed Christianity.

Even though they followed different religions, people of the two communities should never forget that they are of same origin and should never try to snap the ties brotherhood among them, she exhorted.

While appealing Anal people to preserve their forefathers' costumes, Dr Sushila remarked that it is very important to store the costumes and materials used by the forefathers of the different communities as these costumes and materials tell the story of close relations among the different communities residing in Manipur.

During the programme, P S Shylo Anal presented talk on 'Features of Ancient Anal Cultures' and R D Kanthung, Vice Principal of United College Lambung on 'Origin of Anal Village and its religious hymns' as resource persons.

Indramani, Senior Scholar of Manipur State Archives also talked on the Relation between Meeteis and Anals.

Weapons, musical instruments and many other costumes and materials of Anal community were displayed during the function.

A cultural dance was also showcased by the villagers as part of the awareness programme.

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