Okendra presents Samballei Sekpin photos to Sharmila
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, January 19, 2011: Owner of world famous Samballei Sekpin, M Okendra gifted photos of the Samballei Sekpin and a poem to Irom Chanu Sharmila who is fasting in demand of removal of AFSPA 1958 from the state on January 15. Speaking in a press meet at Manipur Press Club, Okendra lauded the courage of Sharmila.

He said that he gifted Sharmila photos of Samballei Sekpin and a poem dedicated to her.

Okendra said that he is planning to construct a memorial complex of the Samballei Sekpin who is recorded in the Guiness Book of World Record at Kumbi the birth place of Samballei Sekpin.

The complex will be constructed over a land of three acres.

Okendra is planning to create playground, educational institution, garden and a historical park inside the complex.

He said that Kumbi is a historical place where Thoibi escaped from the clutch of Nongban riding a horse on her way back from her exile.

He is also planning to erect a statue which will depict the historical incident inside the complex.

Meanwhile, the Samballei Sekpin will complete 30 years in April this year.

Around 11 feet on the top of the tree had been cut off as it dried up.

The 61 feet tall tree has been reduced to only 50 feet.

The changing climate and the scent of the iron which support the tree are the main reason of the situation, Okendra said.

He is supplying 200 litres of water and remains of chickens and fish by collecting from chicken and fish centres.

He is facing financial problem in feeding the tree.

He even drove rikshaw in the night to feed the tree.

He is planning to celebrate the 30 years anniversary of the tree.

Irom Chanu Sharmila had donated him Rs 25,000 for the maintenance of the tree, he said.

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