MP urges Meetei Pangals not to disown surname
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 22 2021: Asserting that surnames adopted by Meetei Pangals are the identities of their uniqueness, titular king of Manipur and Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba has urged the Meetei Pangal community not to disown their surnames but to uphold them.

Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony for construction of an Islamic Library at Keirao Litan Makhong under Keirao assembly constituency on Wednesday, Leishemba Sanajaoba pointed out that Meetei Pangals are sons and daughters of Meetei Ningols and they contributed significantly in reclaiming Manipur after the Seven Years Devastation.

Though Muslims all over the world follow the same religion, Meetei Pangals are different from the rest in terms of almost everything.

They have their unique surnames given by the kings just like the Meeteis and upholding them will help in maintaining their true identities.

Likewise, Brahmans also came from other areas to Manipur and the then kings gave them unique surnames which they are still using, he said.

There is a tradition in which no palace of any king or house of any Meeteis will be built until a Meetei Pangal is part of the ground levelling work and this tradition shows the close relationship between Meeteis and Meetei Pangals.

However, this tradition is no longer in practice.

Earlier, the royal palace had an independent Qaji Loishang, which dealt with issues related with religion and other social issues of Meetei Pangals.

The king only interfere in their proceedings when the Loishang could not resolve and bring up the matter to the king.

He also hailed MLA Rameshwar as a truly secular and energetic legislator who looks upon all religions and communities equally.

Sanajaoba also said that the MLA might even get a ministerial berth if got elected in the next term.

The titular king also assured of extending financial assistance towards the construction of the library from his local area development fund.

MLA Rameshwar, who also attended the function, assured of developing a memorial park in the name of Tolen Qaji, who was part of Manipur Levy, and install his statue in the park.

The present generation should not forget the contribution of Meetei Pangals in saving Manipur from the Awas.

In Keirao AC, there is a tradition of polarised politics where one community does not support candidate from other community.

He wants to break that tradition and bring unity among the communities for ensuring equitable development and improve the brotherhood.

He also called for stopping the culture of using drugs and intoxicants to woo voters, and to make the election free, fair and peaceful.

The MLA also listed many of his achievements in the constituency including blacktopping of roads and construction of water supply schemes among others.

He also assured of constructing an international standard badminton court and a Masjid.

He further said that a Meetei Pangal MLA is giving obstruction in the government's plan to recruit 100 teachers under WAQF Board, which is very unfortunate.

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