Maram-Meetei ties retold, relived
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 02 2013: Keeping alive the age-old relationship between Maram and Meetei people, a 14-member delegation including the Headman, Chairman, Pastor and other Church leaders of Maram Khunjao came down to Imphal to meet titular king Laishemba Sanajaoba today.

After the meeting which began from 10 am onwards, the delegates also shared a hearty meal with the titular king.

Talking to Hueiyen Lanpao on the sidelines, Secretary of Maram Khunjao Village Authority Luikang said that Maram people and Meeteis have close relations since time immemorial during peace as well as war times.

The two communities also used to indulge in head-hunting for each other in the past.

Maram-Meetei ties retold, relived

So, they have come to the Sana Konung (Royal Palace) today to pray together to God for forgiveness of all the wrongs done to each other in the past and strengthen the blood relationship between the two brothers.

He informed that they have also invited Leishemba Sanajaoba to take part in the platinum jubilee celebration of Maram Khullen Baptist Church which is to be held from December 14 and 16 .

Rev Daniel, who was also the part of the delegation, observed that history cannot be changed or rewritten but history needs to be remembered and retold for strengthening the Maram-Meetei relationship.

"It is for the first time in life to step my foot on the Sana Konung and I considered myself truly blessed to get the chance of meeting the king", he added.

Earlier, presiding over the meeting, Leishemba Sanajaoba said that just as Meeteis have no grudge against Maram people for the past unsavoury incidents of head-hunting and the like, he hoped that the same would be true for the Maram people.

The incidents of head-hunting and war that have taken place between the Maram people and Meeteis in the past were all part and parcel inevitable to the development of a nation.

So, that should not be the cause for distrust and enmity between the two communities, the titular king said.

Observing that for strengthening the relationship between the Maram people and the Meiteis, the stories of the two communities should be retold and made understood, especially among the younger generation, the titular king also narrated the legendary story of King Paikhomba and Engallei, the daughter of Maram chief, to the visiting delegates from Maram Khunou and disclosed to them that Langol Lairembi whom the Meeteis worship is none other than Engallei herself.

"If Maram people could take part in the annual Lai Haraoba festival of Langol Lairembi at least once, the soul of Engallei would be very pleased", Leishemba Sanajaoba added.

Advisor of All Manipur Recognised Private School Welfare Association Namoijam Tomba, who was also present during the meeting, observed that growing realisation on the importance and significance of the king of Manipur shows that the movement for safeguarding the Sana Konung from taking over by the Government for development as a historical monument is gaining ground.

Leader of MNF Chingsubam Wangambi Leikai, Vice President of MEELAL Naokhamba and Finance Secretary Gojen were also among others who were present during the meeting.