295th 'Puya Mei Thaba' day remembered
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 03 2024:
The 295th commemoration programme of "Puya Mei Thaba" was observed by International Observation Committee on Puya Mei Thaba (ICOP) at Kangla Utra Shanglen along with religious rituals on Saturday.
Observed annually on the 23rd day of the month of Wakching (January-February), this year's observance was subdued in view of the unrest situation.
During the programme, a two minute silence was observed in commemoration of the day, followed by offering of floral tributes to the forefathers, Committee chairman late RV Mingthing and all those who lost their lives in the conflict.
The Salai Taret Flag was also hoisted on the occasion.
In his speech, 295th Puya Mei Thaba Commemoration Day convenor Moirangthem Naokhomba Meetei recounted the first observance of the day in 1975 and the inception of ICOP in 2011 .
He said that the burning of the Puyas signalled the end of the then Manipur kingdom's sovereignty and independence.
Stressing the need for the present and future generations to remember and follow in the footsteps of Manipuri forefathers who fought to protect the Puyas and the sovereignty of Manipur, he expressed firm belief that the current scenario in Manipur might have never happened if the archaic manuscripts were not destroyed.
It is extremely unfortunate for the future generation to be deprived of learning about the age-old practices, customs, traditions, etc., chronicled in the manuscripts.
As such, he appealed to all for making concerted efforts in reviving the same so as to save the land.