Ereipak Enaat Chanura Loinsinlon (EECHAL) on Saturday celebrated its 21th Foundation Day at the Loktak Hall of the Manipur Press Club, Imphal, with members and well-wishers in attendance.
Speaking on the occasion, EECHAL president Tongbram (O) Ibemcha Leima said the organisation was established in 2005 under guidence of the late M.K. Binodini to safeguard the indigenous culture, religion, traditional attire and customs of Manipur from external influences.
She said the organisation was founded with the objective of reviving and preserving the indigenous culture and traditions of the State while working for the welfare and protection of the land and its people.
Ibemcha stated that following Manipur’s merger with India on October 15, 1949, the State’s indigenous culture and traditions gradually came under increasing external influence. She said EECHAL was formed to protect and promote the unique cultural identity and heritage of the indigenous people.
Observing that the organisation has now entered its 21st year of service, the EECHAL president expressed concern over what she described as increasing demographic and border-related challenges. She alleged that people from across the Myanmar border have entered the State and claimed that the indigenous population is facing the risk of becoming “refugees in their own land.”
She further alleged that the Government of India had failed to adequately protect Manipur’s land and its indigenous people, and urged authorities to take effective measures to safeguard the State’s territorial integrity, identity and cultural heritage.
The function also marked two decades of EECHAL’s activities aimed at preserving the indigenous traditions and identity of Manipur.
