Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, January 17 2009:
AS PART of the programmes of the All Manipur Recognised Private Schools' Welfare Association to protest against the burning of Manipur's ancient manuscripts known as Puya Meithaba 280 years ago, students of Royal Academy of Science situated at Ningthem Pukhri Mapan in Imphal East today wore black badges on their arms and carried on with their normal classes.
In observance of the Day to protest the historic event, a function was held at the Royal Academy of Science where advisor of the All Manipur Recognised Private Schools' Welfare Association, N Tomba was the chief guest and the vice principal of the Academy, teachers and students took part.
In his speech, the chief guest of the function, N Tomba said that Puya (ancient holy manuscripts of Kangleipak/Manipur) is a book of treasures of knowledge and wisdom.
The incident of burning of Puyas was something that should not have happened and should not happen in future in the human soceity.
To pay respects to those who died and suffered untold miseries in connection with the incident, the protest demonstration is being held at the school by wearing black badges.
The teachers and the students will wear black badges for two days beginning today till tomorrow and continue with the normal classes, he said.
He further said that burning of the Puyas, which are the treasures of knowledge, wisdom and mannerism of the people of Manipur, by putting seven layers of firewood, just like in cremating the dead bodies, was something that no human race should ever have done.
He said, the incident of burning of the books which are the sources of knowledge and wisdom, and inseparable part of the history, was an act of challenge to the society and the nation.
He also appealed to all the schools in the state to wear black badges while conducting normal classes for two days.