Umang Lais will not be brought under Govindaji Temple Board - CM
Govt takes note of possible public outcry
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 08 2014: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has said that Umang Lais (Meitei deities) will never be brought under Govindaji Temple Board.

Speaking at a Mera Hou Chongba celebration, organised by Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board at Haying Khongbal Tolong Yumpham, the Chief Minister said that the State Assembly had observed during a discussion that people would raise their discontentment if Umang Lais were brought under Govindaji Temple Board with the passing of Govindaji Temple Board (Amendment) Bill 2014 .

If the Bill is passed, Umang Lai committees of different localities of the State would need to take permission from the Govindajee Temple Board to organise Lai Haraoba ceremonies, he added.

Although, the Bill had been passed by the State Legislative Assembly, the State Government has requested the Governor not to give his assent to change it into an Act.

Saying that Sanamahi Temple Board and Govindajee Temple Board are being run under different Acts, different Lai Haraoba committees can approach any Board of their choice to hold Lai Haraoba ceremonies, the Chief Minister said and urged the people of the State not to think that the controversial Bill would be changed into an Act.

He promised that the Government would never go against the wishes of the people.

Clarifying that he has no religious inclination towards Hinduism or Govindajee Temple Board, the Chief Minister said that he is the Chairman of the Board only because he holds MAHUD portfolio.

He added that people residing in the State share the same origin before the coming of Christianity and Hinduism.

Although, people adopted different religions of their choice in the course of time, Mera Hou Chongba reminds the age-old fraternal relationship between the people of hill and valley.

Former Minister and Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board President L Jayantakumar, Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar, PHED Minister I Hemochandra, Deputy Speaker Preshow Shimray and MLA RK Anand also attended the celebration.

Traditional dances of Meitei, Maring, Kabui and Anal were presented while hill and valley people exchanged gifts and pleasantries.

Comment