Burning of Puya recalled
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 01 2012: The ACOAM-Lup Kangleipak today observed 'Dark Day' in commemoration of the 280th anniversary of burning of Puyas (sacred texts and ancient accounts) on the 17th day of Manipuri calendar month Mera in 1732 .

Before the function began at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, a mass procession was taken out from the Shanglen to Kangla Uttra where the puyas were consigned to flames during the reign of king Garibniwas.

After returning to the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, two minutes' silence was observed and prayed for non-recurrence of such catastrophic events in future.

The commemorative function was graced by titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba as chief guest and ACOAM-Lup Kangleipak president Ksh Somorendro as functional president.

Kanglapao daily chief editor P Ibochou, UCM vice-president Chandramani Khumancha, AMUCO president KT Rahman, IPSA advisor H Ibotombi Khuman, Kanglamei vice-president Ch Tamphasana, South East Asia Cultural Organisation vice-president Kolomcha Achoubi Khuman and CLK chief advisor L Langdon Leima were also present as guests of honour.

Titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba lighting up cermonial lamp at the opening function of Amamba Numit

Pandit Yaima Wahengbam Lukhoi of Pandit Loishang, research scholar Akham Langol and Lecturer Dr M Ranjana of Standard College attended the event as resource persons.

Giving key-note address of the function, ACOAM-Lup general secretary Sanjit Soraisham lamented that burning of puyas which were treasure mines of knowledge and wisdom in 1732 was the most unfortunate event in the history of the nation.

The commemorative event is being organised to avoid such disastrous events in future and also to create awareness among the present and future generations about the event's far reaching impacts.

Had no puyas been burnt, Manipur would not have been so backward and dependent as it is today.

There would not have been any sort of division between the hill people and plain people, Sanjit asserted.

AMUCO president KT Rahman stated that all indigenous communities need to take equal responsibilities in fighting back any form of challenge to the boundary of Manipur.

After puyas were burnt during the reign of Pamheiba alias Garibniwas, Manipur was merged into the Indian Union during the time of king Bodhchandra.

And today, the Government of India, in their efforts to appease NSCN-IM, has been employing various strategies to dismember the territorial integrity of Manipur.

The Government of India has been trying to appease NSCN-IM by offering such arrangements as southern Nagaland, Supra State, Alternative Arrangement etc.

By doing so, New Delhi has been consistently scheming to break up the unity of Manipur, Rahman asserted.

It is impossible for NSCN-IM and its supporters to disturb the boundary of Manipur or take over Manipur's territory.

Just as the NSCN-IM leaders have been advocating greater Nagaland or Naga integration, leaders of Manipur must be resolute towards safeguarding the territorial integrity of Manipur, KT Rahman urged.