Dr Dhanabir urges indigenes to uphold state's integrity
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 16 2022: MEIPAK Ningthou Committee in association with ABA Club organised the 3rd observance of Meetei Pangal Khunthok Ningshing Numit at ABA community hall, Kshetrigao Mayai Leikai on Thursday.

Speaking as chief guest of the event, social scientist Dr Dhanabir Laishram pointed out that there are geographical, psychological and biological factors that bring changes in a society and such changes sometimes become a stumbling block to development.

While informing that historical accounts of Manipur are recorded since 33 AD in the Cheitharol Kumbaba, he also called the settlement of Pangal community in the 16th Century as an important historical event.

There were several battles, wars, revolts and movements in the history of Manipur and those events are not only for the Meeteis, Meetei Pangals or any other tribal communities but for the whole of Manipur.

As such, it is wrong to misinterpret such historical events individually for the vested interest of propagating community identity.

Likewise, the observance organised by MEIPAK Ningthou is not any attempt to create separate identity of Meetei Pangal but to make everybody aware about the communities of the state, he said.

Dr Dhanabir also maintained that the then rulers of Manipur acknowledged the contribution of Meetei Pangal in the development of the society and as such allowed them to settle by assigning surname and legitimising marriage with Meetei women.

Unfortunately, there are some among the Meetei Pangal community not keen to use their surnames, he said while urging them to take pride in prefixing or affixing their respective surnames.

Though the Meetei Pangal community loves Manipur and has been contributing to the society's build ing process, there are also new entrants lacking patriotism, he opined and called upon the indigenous communities not to entertain any attempt to disintegrate the state.

The condition is same for other communities too.

They should stand against any external or internal forces attempting to break down the unity of the state.

Every community of the state should think what type of Manipur they should bestow to the future generation.

Instead of indulging in selfish and communal issues, they must put their efforts in encouraging talented youth to take the society ahead in the global platform.

They should work towards instilling the sense of patriotism among the youth, which is the ultimate path to bring true development in the society, he said.

In his address, Federation of Civil Society Organisations vice-president BM Yaima Shah said there would not be Meetei Pangal or other communities in Manipur if the former kings only think of Meetei community and forced to convert others into Meetei.

It is their generosity that facilitates other communities to flourish, he said, adding that there were Kaji Loishang for Meetei Pangals and Haomacha Loishang for trib(al communities in the court of Meetei kings and it demonstrated equal treatment given by Meetei kings to other communities.

The blood relationship between Meetei Pangal and Meetei cannot be undermined.

Meetei Pangal community is not refugee but legitimate indigenous community of Manipur having blood relationship with Meeteis.

As such, the present generation should work towards bringing a united, peaceful and developed society for the future generations, he said.

There are no restrictions in following Islam religion by any mem ber of Meetei Pangal community.

At the same time, it is also important to uphold the unique identity of Meetei Pangal.

They should not think and act Tike the Muslims in Arab but think and act as a Meetei Pangal, he maintained.

MEIPAK Ningthou Committee co-convener Arshad Baseimayum said that Meetei Pangal is a unique community even though they follow Islam religion.

The community has contributed in the unity and development of Manipur in different fields throughout the history.

A mega seminar held on November 9, 2019 confirmed the 17th day of Inga month (Meetei lunar month) as the day when former Meetei king allowed settlement of Meetei Pangal community by assigning indigenous surnames.

Since then, MEIPAK Ningthou Committee has been observing the day to commemorate the settlement of Meetei Pangal in Manipur with the objective to educate the younger generations, he said.

He also called for mutual understanding and respect among the indigenous communities to bring about a united, peaceful and developed society.

MEIPAK Ningthou Committee convenor Loitongbam Ibotombi presided over the observance function while Thoubal CDO subedar Daulat Shah attended as guest of honour.

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