Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 16 2008:
The historic incident of burning sacred Puyas, books closely associated and related to the history, tradition and evolution of Manipuri Nation in 1732, was remembered today with regret and pain.
The observation was held under the banner "Black Day in History (Sunday, 17th day of the Manipuri calendar month of Mera, 1732)".The observation held at Aryan Theatre was organised by ACOAM Lup.
The observation was attended by ACOAM Lup president in-charge Indrakumar Ningomba, Ayekpam Tomba, Reader of DM College of Arts Dr Sagolsem Lanchenba, Kangla Mei president Leirik Leima, FREINDS secretary general Joy Chingakham and CLK president Phajaton Chanu as presidium members.
Speaking at the occasion, ACOAM Lup advisor H Kulla said that under the influence of one Santidas Gosai who came from Bengal to spread Ramandi faith of Hinduism in Manipur, king Pamheiba alias Garibniwas collected all the available Puyas and consigned them to flames.
Moreover, people were forced to give up indigenous Sanamahi faith and convert to Hindu, Kulla said.
Since then, no one could speak about Sanamahi faith till 1947.During this period, there were many kings and Manipuris adopted Gouriya faith in place of Ramandi faith, he added.