Imphal, January 22: The 277th anniversary of Puya Meithaba (burning of Puya) was observed today and attended by all communities and ethnic groups of Manipur.

It may be recalled here that during the reign of king Pamheiba on the 23rd day of of the month Wakching of 1729 (as per Manipuri calendar), all the State chronicles were collected and consigned to flames.

Today's observance was in memory of that day and in honour of the then scholars (Maichous).

As a part of the observation, a public rally was staged which set off from Hatta Kangjeibung and passed through Nongmeibung, Chekon, Namphalong, Dingku Road, North AOC, and Minuthong before winding up at the starting point.

After the rally, a public meeting was held at Hatta Kangjeibung during which seven resolutions were adopted.

These include observation of this date as Black Day all over Manipur and to wear a black badge by one and all on this day, induction of Meitei Mayek in schools and colleges from the current year, to urge the State Government to declare this date as State holiday, to observe the next anniversary at Kangla etc.

Today's observation was jointly organised by Meetei National Front and Apunba Meetei Mayek Shandokpa amasung Hinghanba Lup, Kangleipak.

The function was attended by Art and Culture Minister, Ph Parijat, MLA Dr Nimaichand Luwang, retired Director of Education (U) TS Gangte, social worker Thounaojam Iboyaima, senior grade lecturer Md Riyaj Uddin Choudhary, editor of Freedom RK Ranendrajit, president of HERICOUN Nongmaithem Joychandra, as presidium members.

Speaking on the occasion, president of MNF, Ch Akaba observed that burning of Manipuri chronicles is synonymous to burning the minds of Manipuri nation.

He added that this day is the most unfortunate day in the history of Manipur and called upon the Government to declare this day as State holiday.

RV Minthing addressing as guest of honour echoed the line of Akaba saying that no other day is important as this and it ought to be a State holiday.

President of Bengali Samaj Mokundas remarked that the Manipuris have their own unique identity and assured that every Bengali all over the world would provide moral support in all endeavours to revive the Meitei script.

Th Iboyaima observed that �it is for our own script that we are able to retain our culture, tradition and religion despite repeated onslaught by other nations to subjugate our unique culture and tradition even as very few Puyas were left after the burning incident'.

In memory of the day and in honour of the past scholars, two minutes silence was observed during the observation.

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