UKAL urges protection of shrines, sites
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 26 2024:
Stating that the vandalism of the Ibudhou Pakhangba shrine at Uyal'Cheirao Ching in Thoubal district has hurt the sentiments of the Meetei community, Umanglai Kanba Apunba Lup (UKAL) has appealed to the government to take requisite steps to protect such historical sites in the state.
In a statement released by its publicity secretary, UKAL remarked that after the conflict broke out on May 3 last year, many Meetei shrines have been vandalised or burned down.
Most recently, the Ibudhou Pakhangba shrine at Uyal Cheirao Ching was desecrated.
Such desecration of historically sacred sites closed to the Meetei community has greatly hurt the sentiments of the people.
As such, the Lup appealed to all concerned not to repeat such acts in the future, while urging the government to look into the matter, and take up necessary action.
Observing the trend of worshipping the sacred sites of the Meeteis in hill areas once a year and ignoring the sites for most part, UKAL said that the future of such historical sites remain uncertain.
As such, the committee or body responsible for worshipping the sites should be in possession of all necessary documents concerning the sites/shrines.
It further suggested congregating at the sites twice a month, and developing the areas as per tourism guidelines so as to protect the sanctity of the sites.