Time for indigenes to work for peace: Sanajaoba
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 03 2024: In view of the Mera Chaorel festival, celebrated on the first day of the lunar month of Mera, various indigenous communities of the state draped in their traditional attires took out a parade in the city on Thursday.

The celebration organised by Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board (LSBT) in collaboration with Utra Shanglen, royal palace and Umanglai Kanba Apunba Lup (UKAL), had the attendance of Rajya Sabha MP and titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba along with representatives of Kabui, Maring and Chothe communities.

Amai-ba and Amaibi (priests & priestesses), Pena artistes, Thang-ta, Langden, horsemen and followers of Sanamahi held Salai Taret flags and participated in the parade, which commenced from Lainingthou Sanamahi temple at Haying Khongbal Uphong Yumpham.

The parade passed through Nityaipat Chuthek then turned at Keishampat Keisam Leikai and moved along Kangabam Leikai, Wahengbam Leikai, Ima Laikhurembi in Uripok area and Khwairamband Ima Keithel before heading to Kangla.

The people and committees in charge of the local Lairembi (goddess) shrines and the Keithel Lairembi along the routes also offered prayers and floral tributes.

Upon reaching Kangla, the sacred water from Nungjeng Pukhri (pond) was collected and offered to the deities.

After observance of all rituals, the parade exited from Kangla before culminating at Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple.

Speaking on the occasion, titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba declared that time has come for the indigenous communities, who have been living together in harmony since time immemorial to usher in peace, tranquillity and love in the state.

He continued that the conflict has affected everybody and as such, all should shoulder the responsibility of bringing peace in the state instead of continuing to blame the government alone.

While some unfortunate incidents have occurred due to carelessness and subsequently resolved, there is need for all to be careful and think twice before taking any action, he stressed.

The lunar month of Mera symbolises the indigenous communities, both in the hills and the valley, coming together to honour the god and strengthen the bonds that unite them, he stated and prayed that the festival would revive the love between the indigenous communities and usher in peace and prosperity in the state.

LSBT member secretary Maisnam Shivdut said that aside from Kabui, Maring and Chothe communities, the other communities did not participate, which somewhat dampened the celebration.

As such, he stressed the need for all the true indigenous communities of Manipur to work together to defend the religion, art, culture and tradition of each and every community.

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