IMPHAL, November 9: The 71st birth anniversary of Chingsubam Akaba was observed today in a solemn function at Thoyee Village in Phungyar AC of Ukhrul district.
During the observation the 2nd foundation day of the relaunched ‘Pandam’ a bilingual eveninger which was launched in 1980 by Chingsubam Akaba was also held.
The function was organised jointly by the Luchingpurel Chingsubam Akaba Ningsing Lup (LUCANIL), Thoyee Village Authority and Management Board of Pandam.
Titular King of Manipur Leisemba Sanajaoba attended the function as the chief guest.
The function was also attended by former minister RV Mingthing, Tangkhul Naga Wungnaolong president Sweeten Rahing, retd IPS P Dhanakumar Singh, R Suisa Trust vice chairman Mathankui Zimik, life-time secretary of Manipur State Sumang Lila Council Sougrakpam Hemanta, Organizing Committee convenor and also the executive editor of Pandam daily Namoijam Tomba and Thoyee Village Authority headman Ng Khathing as presidium members.
Delivering his speech at the function, titular king of Manipur Leisemba Sanajaoba said ‘Oja Akaba’ was a man who always worked to maintain the good relationship of hill and valley people.
He further said considering the present scenario of Manipur, we need to find a solution to bridge the gap between the hill and valley people soon.
He said argument of the valley people against the idea of breaking Manipur is that Manipur had existed as a nation state for thousands of years with the hill and valley living together with love and care so why should we break it now.
On the other hand the hill people’s argument is that the hill people have been suppressed for too long now and due to the suppression they can no longer compete as equal with other, he observed.
There has been no development in the hills and their lives are filled with incompleteness and disappointment all around. So they want to start making their own fate now, he said.
Both arguments have their own merits, however, if the people continue to be rigid in their stand what could be the State’s fate, Sanajaoba observed.
This is the time for educated youth and the wise elders of both the hills and the valley come together to find a solution so that peace and prosperity prevail in the land, he said.
Instead of sitting together to find the solution, if we continue to shout at one another standing on opposite sides, there will be no peace and prosperity in the land, he added.
We are all Manipuris first and then Meiteis, Kuki, Naga, Tangkhul, Kabui, Anal, etc. he said.
The titular king also recalled that he had met NSCN (IM) leader Th Muivah some time back.
He said “Ipa Muivah” is like a father figure to him and that they share a good rapport.
Quoting the NSCN (IM) leader, Sanajoaba said Muivah had told him that the hill and the valley can never be separated and neither the hills nor the valley alone can make Manipur a whole.
When the people of the valley cries, the hill cannot remain aloof and vice versa, he said quoting Muivah.
Tangkhul Naga Wungnaolong president Sweeten Rahing said the gap between the people was created after the valley people were converted to Hindus under the influence of Santidas Gosai.
The importance of “Tangkhul Saba” in Meitei Laiharaoba and the importance of “Leirung Phee” in Meitei weddings and other similar rituals show the close affinity among the Meitei and Tangkhul, he observed.
Renowned comedian Sougrakpam Hemanta said there is no tension between the common people of the hill and the valley, all the reported tensions are among the leaders.
He elaborated the actual ground reality is much different from what is being reported as the media mostly reports the statements of the leaders and not the general voice of the people.
Meanwhile, the 2nd Luchingpurel Chingsubam Akaba Ningsing Journalist Award 2014-15 were also presented to the award winners at the function.
Editor of Poknapham daily Aribam Robindro Sharma was presented with the Editor Award, Reporter Award for print media was presented to chief reporter of Hueiyen Lanpao Manipuri edition Maisnam Karnajit and Reporter Award for electronic media was presented to news reporter of ISTV Network Pritam Laishram.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/unity-of-hill-and-valley-stressed-upon-during-71st-birth-anniversary-of-chingsubam-akaba/