'Myanmar Meiteis committed to preserve language, culture of Meitei community'
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 29 2014 : Myanmar Meiteis are strictly following identity and culture of the community though some have converted to Buddhism, maintained Sundar Gopal Sharma from Bamon Khunjao in Myanmar.

Addressing a press meet at the office of Human Rights Initiative at Wangkhei Thangapat Mapal here today, he asserted that Meiteis staying in Myanmar are committed to preserve language and culture of Meitei community.

However, he said, some Meitei youths do not speak Manipuri while many have converted to Buddhism.

Recalling that late Lamyanba Hijam Irabot during his stay in the country had tried to protect identity, culture and language of the community; Sundar Gopal Sharma said that he is taking part in the ongoing Sangai Festival as a tourist since no invitation was sent to him from the side of the State Government.

'Myanmar Meiteis committed to preserve language, culture of Meitei community'

''In last year's edition of the festival, I participated in the festival as a guest following invitation from the government and provided with proper accommodation and entry card.

But this year, I had to stand in long queue to get an entry ticket,'' he lamented.

Stating that altogether 64 Myanmar tourists are taking part in Sangai Festival, he expressed gratitude to Indo-Myanmar Association, Manipur for assisting the tourists in connection with the festival.

LC Ruhinikumar, secretary of indo-Myanmar Association, Manipur who was also present during the meet said that the association was established in 1995 with the goal to maintain the cordial relationship between Meiteis here in the State and Myanmar Meiteis.

Conceding that Sangai Festival is a perfect occasion for meeting with Myanmar Meities, he said that 82 Myanmar delegates took part in the festival in 2013 while the 2012 edition of the festival saw no participation of Myanmar delegates in absence of invitation from the government.

He added that three Myanmar's stalls are opened in the ongoing Sangai Festival with members of Indo-Myanmar Association, Manipur assisting them.