IKAL honours women, including mother of nine
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 11 2025: Iramdam Kanba Apunba Lup (IKAL) on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the indigenous Meetei community through fostering unity, and encouraging women to bear more children, during its annual Sajibu Khudol Tamba pro gramme held at Iboyaima.

Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, here.

The event, aimed at strengthening unity and respect among community members, included presentation of gifts to male members and honouring mothers for their contributions to the survival and promotion of the Meetei identity.

People from neighbouring states such as Tripura and Assam also participated in the event.

IKAL general secretary Wahengbam Luwangleima noted that the programme fosters bonds between male and female members of the society and expressed gratitude to mothers, while also raising awareness about demographic concerns affecting the Meetei population.

Highlighting the declining birth rate among Meetei women, she said the current average stands at 1.6 per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1 .

"This poses a serious threat to the future of the Meetei community which has been disproportionately impacted by the government's birth control policies," she said, adding that the event also aimed to encourage higher birth rates through recognition and awareness.

As part of the honours, Ksh Binata of Naharup Makhapat Awang Leikai was presented the top award and a cash incentive of Rs 10,000 for having nine children.

Several mothers With four to six children were also felicitated with cash rewards.

The event was attended by IKAL president Naorem Memma Leima, Tangkhul Naga Foothills Organisation (TNFO) nomination committee convenor Nelson Chithung, LIPUL president Somorendro Thokchom, and State Bishnupriya Manipuri Maha Sabha Barak Valley general secretary Pukhrambam Jishnu Singh.

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