Lup urges Govt
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 05 2015:
Mongba Hanba Umang Amadi Laipham Kanba Lup president M Naodalenkhomba has urged the State Government to take up necessary steps at the earliest so that they may perform ritualistic ceremonies at Mongba Hanba site, near Mahabali temple.
Speaking at a press conference held at the office of Indigenous People of Kangleipak (IPAK), Naoda-lenkhomba said that the Government must act fast on the issue to avoid agitations and untoward incidents.
Saying that Mongba Hanba site is located next to Mahabali temple, Naodalenkhomba said that it is an important religious place for the people of Meitei faith.
He added that idols of nine Meitei Gods and Goddesses - Sanamahi, Panthoibi and seven other Umang Lais were buried at Mongba Hanba during the period of king Garib Niwaz (Pamheiba) .
Saying that the site falls under dag number 4908, he added that they were stopped by the members of Mahabali Sevayat Committee when they went there to perform ritualistic ceremonies some months back.
Since the incident, they have been urging the authority concerned to permit them to offer prayers at Mongba Hanba, he said.
He further said that the area where the present Hanuman temple is situated was earlier known as Mongba Hanba jungle.
However, king Pamheiba built Mahabali temple at the area after bringing a stone from Sanakeithel and made an idol of Hanuman.
Saying that it has come to their notice that the Centre has agreed to sanction more than Rs 4 crore for the expansion and renovation of Mahabali temple, Naodalenkhomba warned the State Government not to include Mongba Hanba site in the said project.
He also said that they are not against any religion or performing religious ceremonies in Mahabali temple and urged the State Government to take up necessary steps to avoid any misunderstanding among people of different faiths.
He also urged the Government to allow people of Meitei faith to perform their ritualistic ceremonies at Mongba Hanba.
Naodalenkhomba added that they are ready to initiate non-violent agitations if the Government fails to respond positively to this demand.