Annual ritual of Ima Thumkhong Lairembi held
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 02 2024:
The annual ritual of Ima Thumkhong Lairembi was conducted at Laikhong village under Andro assembly constituency, Imphal East district, under the leadership of 'Angom Ningthou' Poireiton of Sana Konung Utra Shanglen.
The ritual conducted at the deserted village, was organised by Sana Konung Utra Shanglen's religious scholars following a request from Kanglei Ngaklou.
The village of Laikhong has been abandoned for over a year due to the ethnic conflict that broke out on May 3 last year.
The violence preceded by a tribal solidarity march organised by All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM), saw orchestrated attacks on Meetei residents in Churachandpur and Moreh towns.
Despite the challenges, locals and people from various parts of the state gathered to participate in this important ritual.
Last year, the ritual was cancelled as the villagers had to flee due to armed attacks from Kuki militants.
In response to these events, the local community, in consultation with Angom Ningthou, decided to hold the ritual every month to maintain their cultural and religious traditions.
Angom Ningthou Poireiton expressed deep concern about the deterioration of condition of the religious site and called on the government to take steps to develop and preserve it while underscoring the importance of protecting cultural and religious heritage sites.