Meities/Meeteis in Myanmar
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: November 10, 2014 -
Meitei inhabited places in Mandalay, Myanmar :: Pix - Hueiyen Lanpao
Historically, topographically and emotionally as well, Manipur has intimate links with Myanmar which was known as ‘Awa’ since centuries back.
Interestingly, a large number of Manipuris particularly the Meiteis/Meeteis have been staying in Myanmar mostly in Mandalay region for the last many years.
Wars and tribulations had necessitated the native Manipuris to take shelter in the neighbouring country at a number of chapters in history.
Now, it is heartening that Meiteis residing in Myanmar can hardly speak the Manipuri (Meiteilon), even though some elders used to preserve the language and customs of their race.
When they change their language affiliation, their identity as a Manipuri or Meitei will lose automatically.
Moreover, their economic condition is also a factor for preserving the Meitei tradition.
During a recent visit by the women cultural team under the aegis of All Manipuri Rasesori Pala Marup with guidance and support from Indo-Myanmar Fraternity Alliance, the team could realize the need for frequent visits to Meitei-inhabited villages in Myanmar in order to rejuvenate the brotherly and sisterly intimacy with the Meiteis of neighbouring country.
After coming back from the country, cultural troupe leader Dr Ch Jamini articulated the need for establishing a Manipuri language teaching institution in Myanmar, which may be an initiated by the state government or any voluntary organisation in Manipur in order to preserve the identity of Myanmarese Meiteis as Manipuris.
President of Indo-Myanmar Fraternity Alliance RK Shivachandra, who guided the cultural troupe, expressed his concern for the deteriorating economic condition of Meitei families in Myanmar.
He put forward the proposal for encouraging rural tourism among them to improve their economy.
If the Meiteis in Myanmar can provide accommodation and hospitality to tourists from Manipur, they can well earn their living from the tourism sector, although in a small scale.
It can also be speculated that to-and-fro visits of tourists between Myanmar and Manipur will increase in the years to come.
In this move, the state government may also chalk out a specific plan to maintain the cordiality and intimacy with the Meiteis in Myanmar.
The betterment of their economy will help a lot in preserving their cultural and social identity as Manipuris.
Various organisations or associations may also plan visits to Meitei villages as often as possible. This will boost the intimacy between Meiteis of the two countries.
Cultural exchange programmes, tours and visits to Myanmar Meitei villages need to be encouraged by the government in this respect.
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