Chief Minister, Okram Ibobi Singh called to safeguard as well as revive the rituals and traditions of Umanglai Haraoba in order to restore peace and normalcy in the state.
Addressing the gathering at Mera Meepham (annual conference on Umanglai Haraoba) of Umang Lai Kanba Apunba Lup (UKAL) held at Manipur Film Development Corporation, Konung Mamang here today, the CM said that since time immemorial Umang Lai Haraoba has been playing pivotal role in strengthening the brotherhood among the various communities in the state. The celebration also depicts the inter-relationship of Manipuri ethnic groups.
There is no enmity among the communities of Manipur who are residing in both the valley and hill areas. However, the prevailing tension in hill areas is due to influences exerted by anti-social elements from outside the state and those who want to break Manipur into pieces, said Ibobi.
He also appealed all to resolve the prevailing difference of spelling between Meitei and Meetei as it remains as an impediment to build unity among the predominant community of the state.
Regarding the upcoming Cultural University in the state, the Chief Minister said that the government is in consultation with various stakeholders to provide a holistic cultural education with the inclusion of various ethnic cultures and religions of the state.
Ng Kangjiya Mangang, Retd. Principal and Chairperson, Organising Committee of Mera Meepham said that earlier Lai Haraoba was called as Hai Hoi Laoba and this celebration is important to understand the evolution of the Tengban (universe). The process of evolution of the whole universe is clearly mentioned in three Puyas (mythology books of Manipur) viz Leithak Leikharol; Leishemlol and Putil. Scientifically the Lai Haraoba and Big Bang theory has references.
Chairperson of PDA, Th Mangibabu expressed his displeasure over the unwelcoming practices in celebrating Lai Haraoba in recent years.
During the Mera Meepham, the Chief Minister handed over awards to distinguished Amaiba, Amaibis, Pena Aseiba and Lai Thougal Lup for the year.
Pensions were also distributed to aged people who took leadership role in preserving the Umang Lai Haraoba.
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We, the Kangleichaas/Meeteis/Meiteis/Khwais/Mekhalis/Manipuris, call by whatever nomenclature, are the most confused community. We worship Umanglai, Chinglai, Yumlai, Panthoibi, Leimarel, Apokpaa, Sanamahi, Paakhangbaa, Imoinu, Krishna, Radha, Subhadra, Balabhadra, Jagannath, Gobinda, Shaligram, Shri Ram, Durga, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Ganesha, Hanuman, Shani, Snake, Axe, Shiva, Shiva Linga, Brahmins (Bhamons/Bamons/Thaagurs), and so many. We do not know whether we are Hindus. But people of our ‘Bhaarat Maataa’ do not recognise us as Hindus. Our language is “Manipuri” not “Meeteilol”. We are ‘Other Backward Class’ by category but our condition is worst than “Scheduled Caste”. We are “Kshatriyas’ out of four Varnas in Hindu system. We are ‘Lions” (Singh/Singha- in Sanskrit language) by our surname. But we are not even like ‘Cat’. We have double standard and recognition : One is known by Gotras and the other is by Yek/Salaai. Now you know we stand.