IT News
Imphal, Oct 24:
Tension grips the palace compound today afternoon after the government authority started construction of Hindu related temple inside the premises of Pandit Loishang. As Imphal Times reporters reached the spot a large number of security forces were seen cordoning the premises of Pandit Loishang at around 1 pm today. Inside the Pandit Loishang members of Pandit Loinshang including Maiba & maibi (Traditional priests) were seen staging protests against the construction of Hindu-related temple inside the premises. The irate indigenous religious followers also tried to burn the temple constructed against the will of the authority of the Pandit Loishang. The police team who had rushed to the site reportedly picked up some of the members of the Pandit Loishang.
A member of the Pandit Loishang while talking to reporters said that they have been protesting against any construction of any structures inside the premises without the consent of the Pandit Loishang. He said that when the government authority had started construction of a Hindu-related temple inside the premises they had submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister who is also the President of the Govindaji Temple Board to stop the construction as protection of the Meitei religion sacred place is a must. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the attitude of a BJP leader identified as Barish Sharma for his disrespect to the maibis (traditional priest).
“The person Barish Sharma while disrespecting the Meitei religion sentiment even scolded with slangs to the maibis who were under possession and some even started physical assault”, the member of the Pandit Loishang told reporters.
He said that they will fight for the protection of the Pandit Loishnag as the place, is a sacred place of Meitei religion and this needs to be protected at any cost.
He further said that the Pandit Loishang also filed a petition to the Court pleading for the protection of the Pandit Loishang and the matter is pending with the court. Construction of temples that are not related to the Pandit Loishang and the indigenous religion is an attempt to tarnish the Meitei indigenous religion, he added.