Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 06 2009:
'The first forcible conversion of many Manipuri leaders and heads of clans which had taken place at Chesaba of Lilong river wherein the leaders and the heads of clans were baptized forcibly to shun their 'indigenous' religion and clinch the Ramadi religion (Brahmanism) by King Ningthem Pamheiba and an outsider Shantidas Gossai, which is also called 'Nongkhreng Ehanba' was on February 9 in 1729 (Wakching 15 in Manipuri calendar).
And after a lapse of three hundred years, the original religion of Manipur will be revived,' said the adviser of Lainingthou Sanamahi Thougal Lup, Maibam Dorel.
Speaking to reporters yesterday at its office located at the second gate of the Lainingthou Sanamahi Thougal Lup Royal Palace, adviser of the Lup, M Dorel said that to mark the day of conversion, and to unfasten the oath that had been taken three centuries ago, the Lup will observe the past incident on February 9 at 7.30 in the morning which will be led by Eningthou Leishemba at the exact location, ie, Chesaba (the confluence) in Lilong River.
He further said that the first 'Nongkhrang Ihanba' (traditional way of administering oath) was held on February 9, 1974 under the leadership of Iningthou Poireihanba (Okendrajit) as per the customary rituals.
M Dorel also appealed all the people of the state to participate at the 'Nongkhreng Ehanba' occasion which will take place on February 9 .