IMPHAL, February 1: Commemoration of the burning of the sacred text “Puya” should not be on the lines of exact revenge, but should be observed to spread the awareness so that such act is not committed against any community anywhere in the world, said titular king of Manipur leishemba Sanajaoba.
He was speaking as the chief guest of the commemoration of the 287th puya meithaba held today at the Panthou Esaikonung Wangkhei Hijam Leirak, Imphal.
The commemoration was observed by the International Observation Committee on Puya Meithaba (ICOP).
Leisemba Sanajaoba further elaborated that the sacred book Puya is a priceless script which contains every precious notes of the living or non-living things.
He said that during the time of the kings, these same scripts had brought development and peace in the kingdom.
The scripts were burn down by Satidas Gosai in his effort to spread Hinduism during the era of King Pamheiba, he said.
The incident is very unfortunate but we should ever think of avenging it, instead work of to bring brotherhood among the different communities residing in the hills and the valley.
Today, we can see only people sowing seeds of hatred creating differences in the society, he added.
Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasakhi were destroyed by atom bombs dropped by America, but instead of bombing back at America, the two cities have bounced back and today are some of the most developed cities, he said urging the people of the State to follow in their paths towards development.
Only love and forgiveness can bring integration, peace and harmony among the different communities residing together, he said.
Tangkhul Naga Wungnaolong president Sweeten Rahing who attended the function as one of the guests of honour, said the day is worth to be observed a black day.
He said in ancient times, the different communities of Manipur shared an intimate and strong bond, but the burning of the scripts by Santidas Gosai brought chaos in the society.
Following in the steps of Santidas Gosai will not bring prosperity, but if we follow our own religion we are destine to conquer even the world.
If we lost our culture, we will have no identity, he said adding that people who try to divide us in the name of religion are not divine, and should be treated as the most corrupt beings.
He said the “Puya” was our life, most divine, rich and advanced which was burn down by Santidas Gosai fearing that the people of Manipur might get more advance than the others.
The observation was also attended by ICOP vice chairman Prof Sairem Nilabir, ICOP vp Moirangthem Naodalenkhomba, Ahan 12, Apokpa Marup, Cahchar Jaribond Naoria Amusana; Deputy General Manager Jalalabad Gas Transmission &Distribution System Limited (A company of Petrobangla) Bangladesh Oinam Ramandrakumar Singha, Myanmar Delegate Bing Bing (Hla Myint) as president and guests of honour respectively.
President UMMWDO Anwari Nur Jahan, president Indo Myanmar Flaternal Alliance RK Shivachandra, Associate Professor MB College Dr Hamom Nabachandra, president UKAL Mutum Maniton, secretary MIKAL Nilamani Kha Nganba, chief of Maram Khullen Namba Maram, chief of Thoyee Village, Ukhrul Ng Khating, secretary Longa Koireng Village Authority W Khelsong Koireng, Ningthou, Echum Kom Keirap Tomithang Kom (Thoiba); social worker from Moreh Leishangthem Inaoba, Amaipiba, Moreh Meetei Lai Thougallup N Manihar, president, Meetei National Front (MNF) Jiribam Hamom Dhani Meetei, Kameshwore, North Tripura Yumnam Syatabata, Lengwondabi Pat, Khoirel Khul, Assam Meitan Keishangbam Niranjan and Chief Convenor, ICOP, Kangleipak Namoijam Tomba also participated the commemoration as especial invitees.
As part of commemoration programme a rally was also organised in the morning which starts from the function venue to Kangla Fort where sacred book of Puya was said to be burnt by Santidas Gosai.