Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, January 07 2010:
The Meetei National Front (MNF) in a memorandum has sought the intervention of the Governor of Manipur for the declaration of a general holiday on the 23rd of Wakching of the Manipuri Calendar every year as 'Commemoration of Puya Mei Thaba'.
It's was on this day in 1729 AD that the sacred mythological, philosophical, medicinal and cultural books books of Manipuris known as the 'Puyas' was burnt, said the memorandum and that the MNF is going to observe this Friday the 8th of January as the "281st Commemoration of Puya Mei Thaba" at Kangla.
Describing the day as a very unfortunate incident in the two thousand years history of Manipur, MNF requested the Governor of Manipur to recommend the 23rd Wakching of every year as general holiday in the general interest of the whole people of Manipur.
It further stated that such a gesture will lay a strong foundation of integration between the hill and plain people of Manipur.
The Meetei Nationa Front, stated the memorandum, in an attempt to preserve the indigenous culture, tradition, scripts, etc of Manipur had successfully requested the Government of Manipur to approve three festivals, Meetei New Year (Sajibu Nongma Panba), Mera Chaorel Houba and Mera Hou Chongba as general holiday.