Manipur Chief Minister Calls for Preservation of Ancestral Heritage
Manipurs CM urges collective efforts to safeguard the states rich heritage during the annual Barkhap-Reiju festival.
Imphal, October 30 (Daily Kiran) : Manipur’s Chief Minister, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, appealed to the public on Friday to unite in efforts to protect the state’s rich heritage and legacy left by their ancestors. He made this call while addressing the annual Barkhap-Reiju festival, held at the Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre in Imphal.
The festival was organized by the Kom Union Manipur (KUM), representing one of the recognized tribal communities in the state, classified as a non-Naga and non-Kuki tribe.
Khemchand Singh emphasized that the defense of Manipur has been upheld by 36 different communities, who bravely fought against the British during the Anglo-Manipur War in 1891 and against the Burmans during seven years of devastation. He urged everyone to work together for a peaceful and harmonious Manipur.
Discussing his recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister shared that he informed the Prime Minister about the coexistence of 36 communities in Manipur, which have lived together harmoniously since the reign of various kings.
Khemchand Singh expressed concern over the halt of all development activities due to the ongoing crisis in the state. He mentioned that the Prime Minister inquired whether there was an integrity committee comprising members from each community. In response, he indicated plans to form such a committee.
The Chief Minister highlighted that while Manipur is home to many diverse communities, some smaller groups have very low populations and have not had the opportunity to elect representatives in the state assembly.
Referencing other states, he noted that they have bicameral legislatures with both upper and lower houses. He suggested that a similar system could be adopted in Manipur, requiring resources to implement it.
Khemchand Singh also mentioned plans to invite Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba to discuss ways to assist smaller communities in development activities by including one member from each community in the proposed committee. He pointed out that despite its smaller population, Manipur is recognized as ‘the sports hub of India.’
He cited the example of the Kom community producing Olympian MC Mary Kom, showcasing the hard work and abundant human resources present in the state.
