Time to think for the future of Meiteis: RS MP
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 05 2023: Observing that the population of Meiteis has been declining steadily, titular king and Rajya Sabha Member Leishemba Sanajaoba has asserted that it's time for the Meitei community to focus on securing their future.

Speaking at the inaugural function of a newly constructed temple of Huidon Lairembi at Mayang Imphal Chabung Company, Yurembam Leikai today, Leishemba Sanajaoba said that it's time for the Meitei community to introspect and adapt to the changing environment so as to protect themselves.

Even though Meiteis are said to be the majority community in Manipur at present, they would be rendered completely helpless when they become a minority, he said.

The total population of Meiteis in Manipur may be around 15/16 lakhs.

There are around 4/5 lakh Meiteis in Assam, around one lakh in Myanmar, 50,000/60,000 in Bangladesh and some thousands in Tripura.

Time to think for the future of Meiteis: RS MP

The combined population of Meiteis settled in Manipur and different parts of the world is very small, he observed.

Leishemba Sanajaoba said that Meitei settlement on the surface of Earth is over 5000 years old.

Sagol Kangjei which gave birth to the modern Polo was first played between two pannas; one led by Ibudhou Marjing and the other led by Ibudhou Thangjing some 5122 years back, he said.

Although Meitei is an ancient community, their future is worrisome considering their small population, he said.

It's time for the Meitei people to come together and focus on securing their future, the titular king asserted.

It's time to find out the weaknesses of Meitei community and identify all the areas where the community is lagging so as to chalk out corrective measures collectively, he continued.

If the community fails to unite together and work out a collective strategy, the community will only grow weaker and weaker before they ultimately vanish from the surface of the Earth, he warned.

There is little unity among the Meiteis and there is no proper platform for congregation of Meiteis, he said.

Even though there are plenty of platforms for congregation of other communities, Meiteis have no such platform to study their common issues and aspirations.

Except for assembly of a few hundred people at community feasts or other such events, there is no proper platform for the Meitei community to come together, study their present issues and chalk out future plans, Sanajaoba said.

The titular king lamented that Lai Haraoba festivals seen today have deviated quite asunder from its original form.

The Meitei community is being bombarded by several challenges from multiple directions and its population is declining day by day, he said.

While the Meitei community's living space has been shrinking every year, a large number of youth have taken to intoxicating drugs, he said.

Pointing out that the large number of youth who have taken to drugs are future parents, the titular king asked what kind of Meitei descendents they would bear.

He then called upon all the Meiteis to come together and think for the community's future.

MANIDCO Chairman and Mayang Imphal AC MLA Kongkham Robindro said that all the clans of Meitei community need to create proper platforms for congregation of their clan members in order to forge unity within the clan and the Meitei community at large.

He also appealed to all the Meitei people to safeguard and promote the rich cultural heritage of the community.

The MLA announced that a community hall would be constructed within the premises of Huidon Lairembi temple.