Unity of Meetei must to protect Manipur: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 23 2022: Maintaining that Meetei community is the binding force that holds together the different indigenous communities of the state, chief minister N Biren has stressed the need of ironing out differences and bringing unity among people of major community in order to protect the state and its integrity.

Speaking as chief guest of the Mera Meefam, the annual convention of Umanglai Kanba Lup (UKAL) held at City Convention Centre, Palace Compound, here, on Sunday, Biren highlighted that culture, tradition, costume, language and script play major role in the development and promotion of identity of any community. Giving priority to learning English, the language of colonial British, is a major flaw in the society, where speaking English is considered as educated and high standard, the CM said and termed as regretful that people of Meetei community can no longer go to any place in the state freely.

The future is bleak and it looks like the community will become obsolete in a couple of decades from now.

Despite the looming threat on its survival, the community has not been able to unite.

Selfish motives can never bring forth a community or a society towards development.

One should retrospect the present state of Manipur, which once was a vibrant sovereign nation in the South East Asia, and work towards a common goal for unity while keeping aside differences, the CM said, while expressing concern over the ongoing debate over whether the name of the community should be Meetei or Meitei.

He further said that the government will produce a film on 'Chahi Taret Khuntakpa' so that it could educate the younger generations of the state on how Manipur was salvaged from the devastation caused by the Burmese.

He urged all concerned to unite and focus on core issues only for the time being in order to bring unity in the Meetei community, since it is the only binding force that is holding together the state, its integrity and identity.

On the other hand, no community should do anything to hurt the sentiments and interest of another community.

No community should hold grudge against another community over taking up certain steps to protect themselves since it is a matter of survival and sustenance.

Every community should also understand the crucial role played by Meetei in holding the state together.

Downfall of the community will break apart the state, he added.

Biren also said that Umanglai has been an inseparable part of the indigenous culture, tradition and religion of Manipur.

The government had declared its decision on allowing land holding rights for Umanglai sites to the respective committees, he said while urging the committees to submit relevant application for the same.

While informing that Constitution of the country guarantees the freedom of following any religion, he said that one should not treat followers of another religion as enemy.

All the indigenous communities in the state are small communities and it is important to take up certain protective measures to safeguard the land, rights and culture.

It is possible that there are some forces that have been trying to destroy the indigenous population and it is high time to stay alert against such elements.

The rampant issue of drug trafficking and abuse might be one of such plots and it is necessary to find out the forces behind such activities, he said.

He stressed the need for reviving 'Shinglup' in every locality and improvise its roles and functions for a better society.

Past governments have been ignoring crucial issues for long and it is affecting the state right from its roots, he said, while emphasising on prioritising key issues.

He urged UKAL to publish a book on the code of conduct of Umanglai Haraoba by consulting experts and opined that it will help in ensuring strict adherence to guidelines.

Instead of just being a convention on Lai Haraoba, UKAL could make the Mera Meefam a convention for the Meetei community and its future.

It is time to take a strong stand against the trend of 'Ani Thokpi' .

Other indigenous communities have one single student organisation whereas there are around 10 student bodies for Meetei, he pointed out while stressing the need for bringing unity.

The CM also advised the performers of Lai Haraoba rituals such as Amaibas and Amaibis to avail benefits of Chief Ministergee Artistesingee Tengbang Scheme.

Rajya Sabha MP and titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba presided over the function while CAF&PD minister L Susindro, art and culture commissioner M Joy and LAILUP chairman professor Ng Kangjiya Mangang attended as guests of honour.

Professor Ng Kangjiya Mangang moderated the panel discussion held as part of the event, in which Utra Shanglen secretary (custom) Th Ibungohal, UKAL president Ch Nabachandra, MPL Pundit Atomba Nameirakpam Gojendro and Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board vice-president Bidyapati Senjam attended as panel speakers.

The CM presented annual awards to select Umanglai ritual performers and presented gifts to students undergoing master's course in Umanglai Haraoba at Manipur University of Culture.

UKAL also presented gifts as a token of appreciation on declaring Koubru and Thangjing sites as sacred sites.

Meetei representatives involved in Lai Haraoba in different states and countries also attended the event.

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