Damage caused to Umang Lai discussed
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 16 2023:
Umanglai Kanba Apunba Lup (UKAL) organised a public convention on vandalism and arson of important religious sites of Meetei community, Umanglai Shanglen, Sagei Laishang and temples of Meetei Brahmins during the ongoing ethnic violence in the state, at Iboyai-ma Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound on Sunday.
UKAL president Ch Nabachandra presided over the public convention, which was moderated by social scientist Dr Keisham Bhei gyachandra.
Meetei Tribe Union general secretary Mu-tum Churamani, UFO general secretary Y Meiraba, HERI-COUN president L Ratan and All Manipur Bar Association president advocate P Tomcha spoke on the convention.
According to UKAL general secretary Mutum Maniton, several sacred religious sites, which has close historical ties with Meetei community, along with several Umanglai Shanglen, Sagei Laishangs and temples of Meetei Brahmins were vandalised and torched by Kuki people during the violence.
Among the most sacred religious sites with historical importance damaged during the clash include Kongba Maru Laiphamlen, Koubru and Thangjing hills.
UKAL has initiated legal process to file a complaint against such acts to the Supreme Court as well as other international forums.
The convention was hosted to galvanise support for the legal battle, he said, while suggesting that the government take up security measures to ensure safe passage of pilgrimages in the sacred religious sites.
Any interference in carrying out religious activities in these areas would amount challenging rights of the immunity, Maniton cautioned.
Later, the convention resolved to form a work ing committee to fight the case and completion of all formalities for constituting the committee within one week.
The committee will spearhead all issues and demonstrations related with destruc tion of religious structures.
Individuals interested in becoming part of the working committee are informed to submit their details to UKAL.