King Sanajaoba invalidates Govindajee Temple Bill, slams CM
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 10 2014 : Invalidating Shri Govindajee Temple (Third Amendment) Bill, 2014 which ruled that concerned people who are going to perform Umang Lai Haraoba should take permission either from Pandit Loisangs or Govindajee Temple Board, Titular King of the State Leishemba Sanajaoba has categorically stated that Chief Minister O Ibobi who is entrusted with developmental works as a politician should not intervene into religious matters.

He was attending as the chief guest of the 282nd Puwarigi Amamba Numit held to commemorate the day Meitei Puyas were burnt down during the time of Garibniwaj.

In the programme organized by ACOAM Lup Kangleipak at THAU Ground, Thangmeiband here today, Leishemba Sanajaoba recalled that the sacred Meitei Puyas were burnt down by Hindu preacher Shantidas in connivance with King Pamheiba on October 10, 1732 (AD) at Uttra Shanglen, Sana Konung to erase Meitei religion from the State.

The burning down of the holy book was the saddest day for Meitei community, he added.

282nd Puwarigi Amamba Numit at THAU Ground, Thangmeiband

Saying that the State has been witnessing different forms of violence, crime and enmity between people of hills and valley ever since the Metei Puyas were set on fire, he called upon the people of different communities to recollect history of Manipur and put in concerted efforts to maintain peace and tranquility in the State.

On the controversial enactment of Shri Govindajee Temple (Third Amendment) Bill 2014, he said the bill was passed in the state Assembly by the Legislators without taking due consideration of Umang Lai which is an indispensable part of the Meitei community.

The bill is unacceptable as it threatens existence of Umang Lai.

If it is implemented after converting into an act, then Sana Konung along with support from public will drag the matter to Supreme Court, he vowed.

Pointing out that the statement made by the CM that the Governor has been urged not to give approval to the bill was ironic as it was unanimously passed in the House in the presence of the CM himself, he dismissed that the claim made by the CM during a function that permission is being taken from Govindajee Temple Board and Sanamahi Temple Board for the last many years for performing Umang Lai Haraoba.

The Govindajee Temple Board and Sanamahi Temple Board were established in the year 1972 and 1976 respectively.

However, Umang Lai Haraoba has been performed prior to the existence of the two boards.

There are concrete evidences to prove this, he claimed.

He went on to say that the CM should be sensible enough at the time of giving statements relating with sensitive issues.

Today's function was also attended by Ksh Somorendro, president of ACOAM Lup as president while Ibotombi Khuman, advisor of IPSA; Kolomcha Achoubi, working president of SEACO; A Langdon Leima, chief advisor of CLK; RK Sanahanbi, president of KIL and Y Leirik Leima, president of Kanglamei were present as guests of honor.

The 282nd Puwarigi Amamba Numit was also observed by Panthoibi Sindam Shanglen Waheng Khuman at its premises with N Loken, MLA Nambol A/C; N Mangi, Apokpa Laining; A Sangita, Pradhan of Ishok Gram Panchayat and L Tunanbi, Member of Leimapokpam Zilla Parishad attending as chief guest, president and guests of honor respectively.