Rajya Sabha MP Sanajaoba Leishemba on Thursday stressed the need for the state authorities to protect ancient religious shrines and sites so as to safeguard the ancient indigenous beliefs of Manipur.
“I strongly condemn the desecration of Ebudhou Pakhangba’s shrine at Uyal and urge the authorities to apprehend the culprits involved in the heinous act,” he said.
He was speaking at the traditional ritual of ‘Pakhangba Cheng Hongba’ performed at Uttra Shanglen, Sana Konung, Imphal.
He stated that disrespect of traditional beliefs and values should not be tolerated.
“The incident has created confusion and left the public wondering who could’ve committed such an unforgivable crime,” he said.
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As such, he urged law enforcing agencies to act swiftly and arrest the culprits involved.
He further appealed to the state government to take measures to protect and safeguard ancient shrines and sites.
He highlighted that the religious rituals of ‘Pakhangba Cheng Hongba’ was performed annually on the full moon of lunar month ‘Kalen’.
“We worship Lainingthou Nongsaba and Lainingthou Pakhangba for peace and harmony in the land during the ritual,” he said.
It may be mentioned that ‘Pakhangba Cheng Hongba’ is also performed at Kakching Mangtak Kom village, Kakching where Lainingthou Nongsaba was believed to have landed.
It is a customary religious ritual and has been practiced since the time immemorial.
