'Unity needed for accelerating development'
281st anniversary of burning of puyas observed
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, January 08 2010: The day on which Puyas (holy books of Manipur civilization) were burnt down in front of the Kangla Utra Shanglen was remembered on its 281th anniversary today.

A rally, participated by students from both hills and valley in the streets of Imphal starting from the BOAT, Palace ground, marked the commemoration of the function organised by the Meetei National Front (MNF).

The rally which kicked off from BOAT complex marched on the streets of Nongmeibung, Soibam Leikai, Telipati, Minuthong entered the Kangla from the northern gate and offered floral tributes to the forefathers.

After the floral tribute, the rally converged at again at BOAT.

where the artistes of the KIMACS Offered a guard of honour to the souls of the forefathers, two-minute silence was also observed by the people gathered there.

Procession of observance of Puya burning day in Imphal organised by Meetei National Front

Speaking as chief guest of the function, Leishemba Sanajoaba observed that the burning of puya Puya (holi) books which is the treasure of Manipuri civilization was the most shocking incident in the history of the state.

The day will ever remain written with black ink.

The ultimate result of destruction of the puyas is the coming of foreign religions in the state which people of different communities and tribes are following today.

Despite efforts of various section of the society, the divided unity of the people of the state could not be mended fully, Sanajaoba went on to observed.

Leaving a culture which is a mix one and will not be welcomed by the future generation, the titular king said, stressing the need for reviving the original and purely indigenous culture of the state for the sake of future generation.

When Americans suppressed Japanese by dropping atom bombs during the World War-II, they never tried avenge with another more destructive weapons or means.

Taking it as a lesson, people of the state through constructive approach should avenge the event, he urged.

Former, MLA RB Mingthing who also spoke on the occasion, recalled the event as the start of separation between hill and valley people.

He said that the destruction of the puyas by king Pamheiba under the influence of an outsider, Shanti Das Gosai, drew a line separating the people of hills from the valley peple, who till then were living together as brethren since time immemorial.

The replacing of indigenous script of Manipur by foreign script is also another reason for increasing communication gap between the hills and valley people, he added.

Now, time has come to unite,by sorting out our differencea.

People from outside will take advantage if we remain divided among ourselves and this will retard development, he went on to observe.

Member of the Kangla Fort Board, Sairem Nilamani, president of MNF, Chingsubm Wangambi, its vice president Wangamba, chief of the Hongman Tangkhul, Akhui Jimik, working president of MEELAL, Thokchom Babuchand, president of the United Manipuri Muslim Women Development Organisation, Anawari Noorjahan, chief of Maram Centre K Taruba, secretary of Sadhu Koireng village authority, R Shodo Koireng, chief of Mantak village Bingai Kom, chief of Purum Likli Village S Renaichong etc.

also spoke on the occasion.