Okendra to return Guinness World Records title
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 11 2023:
Moirangthem Okendra, creator of Sambal-Lei Sekpil, the world's tallest topiary, on Saturday announced that he will be returning the Guinness World Records title as a protest against the atrocities carried out by armed Kuki militants in Manipur.
M Okendra made the announcement during the inauguration ceremony of 'Phijam Hemanjit and Hijam Linthoingambi Memorial Craft Pond' at Sambanlei Sekpil School campus in Kumbi, Bishnupur district.
It may be mentioned that the tallest topiary in the world, popularly known as Sambal-Lei Sekpil in local tongue, earned an entry into the Guinness World Records in 1999 when it was 61 feet tall and became the second entry from Manipur after the game of Polo, which originated in the State.
Speaking on the occasion, M Okendra said that if the conflict which has been going on in Manipur since May 3 last does not come to an end soon, he will be returning the Guinness World Records title along with all relevant documents & certificates.
He asserted that the many lives have been lost and thousands of people have been displaced due to the 'war' waged by the armed Kuki militants against the people of Manipur.
M Okendra also shared that the 'Phijam Hemanjit and Hijam Linthoingambi Memorial Craft Pond' was inaugurated in Sambanlei Sekpil School as a tribute to Phijam Hemanjit and Hijam Linthoingambi, who were murdered mercilessly by Kuki militants.