Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 21 2010:
A one-day national convention on "Identification of State Flags of Ancient Kingdom of Kangleipak (Manipur) was held today at GM Hall.
Speaking at the convention, IPSA president Ibotombi Khuman said that Manipur being a sovereign kingdom for more than 2000 years must have had a national flag.
It was with this understanding that the convention was organised to identify the true national flag of Manipur, Ibotombi said.
Speaking as chief guest at the inaugural function, Education Minister L Jayantakumar said every Manipuri should be proud of his/her nationality just as the Germans and Japanese are proud of their nationalities.
"We have a rich trove of our own art, culture and tradition as well as our own language, letters, philosophy, customs and identity', Jayantakumar stated.
As Manipur survived a dark episode, there were obliteration and confusions in culture, script, flag, history, religion etc and such confusions must be erased with proper, scientific research, he added.
Art and Culture Commissioner RK Nimai said that the emblems used by different kings cannot be taken as flag.
As such, there is need for a detailed research before making any conclusion.
The convention was also attended by Senior Lecturer of Oriental College Dr TB Singh, Dr N Deban Singh, Director of Mutuwa Museum, Mutuwa Bahadur, N Khomba and Naorem Indramani of the Manipur State Archives.
The convention was moderated by retired Principal of Presidency College, Motbung Ng Kangjia.