DIPR
Imphal, Sept. 8,
Minister, CAF & PD, Revenue, Karam Shyam along with MLA Khurai A/C Shri L Susindro Meitei hoisted the sacred flag of Kangleipak portraying Pakhangbagi Paphal at Kangla Laiphamlel today.
The flag hoisting ceremony was an important part of the 71st Laining Ngak Senba Numit Observance function held today.
The message behind the observation is to commemorate the same day in 1947 when Maharaj Bodhachandra revived and promoted our indigenous Meitei religion, puya and hill-valley communal integration in Manipur.
The dignitaries led the gathering in offering prayers and flowers during the auspicious religious ritual.
Speaking as Chief Guest at the function, Minister Karam Shyam recollected that Kangla has lost its freedom since British occupation in 1891 and later again, after merger of Manipur to the Indian Union, it has long been under the custody of the Assam Rifles and the public has not been enjoying full freedom to perform any function.
He assured that he will convey to the Chief Minister to look into the matter and allow free flow of the public to perform any ritual or programme inside Kangla and in hassle-free manner with proper communication of 5-10 days in advance.
Sharing his knowledge and throwing light on religion, he said that out of more than 4,300 religions of the entire world, Christianity comprises a major part with 2.1 billion i.e. 31.5% of the total population while the Meitei religion occupies merely a minor slice of it.
We can nourish love, communal harmony and civilisation in our society if we work with unity and a common mindset of religion, he said.
Kangla was conferred to us ever since the then PM of India, Manmohan Singh handed it over to our ex-CM, O Ibobi on the 20th November, 2004, he stated.
We need to underestimate our egos and stop criticising other religions apart from brains to promote our own religion, he added.
Stating that he himself took part in the Sana Konung construction, MLA Susindro suggested that it would be a good step if most religious rituals and programmes are organised in collaboration with Titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba.
“Let’s go hand in hand together for a changed Manipur and better society”, he also said. Retd. IPS & also International lawyer, Kangla Phamthou 64, Shri Sarangthem Khoiranthaba also shared his opinion on the history of Manipuri religion at the event.
Pena Yakaiba and Seihou Isei were also performed as part of the ritual