Imphal, March 16 2009: With special reference to the decision of the state government led by Chief Minister O Ibobi on the issue of placing the faith of Umanglai subordinate to the Govindaji Temple Board (GTB), various civil organizations expressed their disapproval against the decision and also ask the state government to re-ponder and withdraw the decision before taking the issue in the state assembly to be held on March 17. A press statement of The Royal Council Manipur (RCM), Sana Konung issued by its Chief Councilor, L Lanchan Chenglei said that a memorandum was submitted to the Honourable Chief Minister of the state on account of the aggressive action and non-secular attitude of GTB towards the distinct and indigenous faith of Sanamahi by bringing the faith of Umanglais under the dominance of GTB which affects the indigenous right and authority of the titular king over the Umanglais.

RCM demanded to review and withdraw the cabinet's decision as such the customary right and authority of the kind should not be disturbed in any manner and to take up appropriate action to ensure that GTB or any other similar board or authority does not interfere with the management of the other religious denomination and also with the activities of Sana Konung having concern with the king.

The Takyel Lairembi Thoukan Lup (TLTL) in two different press statements issued by its Auditor, Khaidem Akshay Kumar and its Publicity Secretary, Kumar Khundrakpa said that the decision of the honorable CM of the state O Ibobi is likely inviting another disastrous situation like that of June 18 in the state.

TLTL further questioned on the governing tactics of the state government which is intended to suppress a well established indigenous culture having its own strong historical background.

Khaidem Akshay Kumar said that the decision of the state cabinet to surrender the old and indigenous faith of Umanglai to GTB is most unfortunate.

It is betraying the most valued culture which our forefathers had been practicing and preserving through generations.

He also condemned the honourable CM stating that intending to suppress the indigenous faith ignoring its value is not an act of an aboriginal blood or a responsible top state official like CM.

He appealed to the CM to withdraw the state cabinet's decision before the beginning of the state assembly on March 17. Various other civil organizations including Meetei Yelhou Mayek Inat Kanba Lup (MYMISL) of Samurou, Layingthou Sanamahi Thougal Kanglup, Khongjom Circle Meira Paibee Forum of Khongjom Bazar, Office of the Khanarok Decent Youth Club, Sagolband Meetei Laining Lup, Centre for Human Rescuer, Ibudhou Thangja Lilha Pakhangba Thougal Lup of Pangei, Pureiromba Youth Club, Bamon Kampu, Wangoo Laipham Women Social Reformers Organization, The Kameng Development Committee (KDC) and Young Peoples' Development Organization strongly condemned the decision of state cabinet to transfer the authority of Umanglai under the GTB and also appealed the state government to review its decision to avoid any possible social clash in the state in future.

The organizations said that the GTB should not have any role to play with the faith of Umanglai.

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