Restriction on entry to Koubru threatens Meitei identity: Joychandra
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 20 2026: Justice Committee on Anglo Manipur War 1891 chairman Joychandra Konthoujam on Tuesday ex-pressed concern that the continued restriction on the Meitei community's entry to the sacred site of Koubru Laimphamlen poses a serious threat to the very origin and identity of Meitei society.

Speaking as the guest of honour at the Ibudhou Puthiba Lai Haraoba Thouram held at Abhoynagar in Agartala, Joychandra said that Koubru, regarded as one of the most sacred sites of Manipur, has become inaccessible to the Meitei community.

He described this as a stark illustration of efforts to undermine and erase the historical and cultural foundation of the Meiteis.

The Lai Haraoba Thouram was jointly organised by the Puthiba Lai Haraoba Committee and Puthiba Welfare & Cultural Society.

Joychandra emphasised that the preservation and protection of sacred sites such as Koubru and Thangjing is the collective responsibility of the Meitei community.

He stressed that every Meitei must understand what Lai Haraoba represents, why it is performed, and its deep cultural and spiritual relevance.

He further stated that any discussion on the history of the Meitei people remains incomplete without reference to Umang Lai Haraoba.

According to him, the origin and evolution of Meitei society are vividly depicted in the narratives of Koubru Laiphamlen, from where Lai Haraoba itself originated, and these aspects must not be overlooked.

Highlighting the importance of traditional rituals, Joychandra noted that the four major forms of Lai Haraoba - Moirang Haraoba; Kakching Haraoba, Kanglei Haraoba and Chakpa Haraoba are inseparable from Meitei social and cultural life and must be thoroughly understood and preserved.

He also pointed out that Meitei cultural expressions such as traditional dance, music, Thang-Ta and Mukna-Kangjei evolved through Lai Haraoba and should be passed to future generations.

He asserted that only by recognising Lai Haraoba as a vital cultural and social institution can the Meitei community safeguard its identity against suppression or marginalisation.

Joychandra further urged the Meitei community to actively preserve, practice and promote Lai Haoraba Thouram as a means of strengthening continuity and unity.

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