[CPProt.net] Library burning flayed

[Museum Security Network / Cultural Property Protection Net (Ton Cremers)]

Library burning flayed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 16: The ruling Secular Progressive Front (SPF) Government has
come out strongly against the act of burning down the State Central Library
on April 13 by Mayek activists who demanding implementation of Meetei Mayek
at all educational institutions of the State.

In a statement today, the spokesman of the SPF Government Gaikhangam said
all right thinking persons who love Manipur and feel proud of its rich
heritage should condemn the incident in the strongest term.

There could be nothing more heinous and senseless in the act of burning down
the Library and destroying many valuable books and records which could not
be reclaimed from any where in the world, Gaikhangam said.

He observed that introduction and adoption of the original script is the
desire of all the people and it is also the duty of the SPF Government to
see that the aspiration of the people is fulfilled.

In this connection, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh had already made known the
Government stand to the people on various occasions besides having held
discussion with the agitating Mayek activists on the issue, the spokesman
said, adding that the Government is currently taking the opinions of various
communities settling in Manipur on the matter.

Gaikhangam asserted that it is the stand of the Govt to introduce Meetei
Mayek in a phase-wise manner so that the Bengali scripts could be replaced
ultimately.

However, with complete disregard to all these, violent activities being
adopted by some people who are hell bent on fulfilling their demand at once
would not bring any good for the people of Manipur besides causing more
destruction.

While appealing to all concerned to restrain from targeting public
properties and imposing bandh and blockade in pursuance of their demand,
Gaikhangam further appealed to the people to extend their co-operation with
the Government in ensuring such unfortunate incidents do not recur.

Meanwhile, various social organisations continue to express their strong
condemnation against burning down of Manipur State Central Library.

Manipuri Sahitya Parishad said it was a great loss to the society and
appealed to all concerned to restrain from committing such mistake in
future.

Manipur University Teachers' Association (MUTA) said although it support the
demand of the Mayek activists, the violent measures taken up by MEELAL which
include gutting of public properties is not the right method for settling
the issue.

Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) termed it as a malicious attempt to wipe
out the history of the Manipuri people.

Anal Lelruwl Taangpi, Imphal Branch observed such anti-people act would only
repel the people from extending their support to the cause for which the
Mayek activists are agitating for.

Culture Preservation Centre described the incident as the 4th Puya Meithaba,
the first being setting on fire of Puya during the time of King Sameirang in
518, the second by Shantidas Gossain in 1732 and the third by the Britisher
in 1891.

All Manipur College Teachers' Association said it is a great loss and the
incident should not be taken lightly by the Government.

North Imphal United Clubs and Meira Paibees Organisation (NIUCAMO), Welfare
Club, Sagolband Tera Akham Leikai, Manipur Peace and Integrity (MAPI)
Council, Young Lawyers' Forum, Manipur.

Young Voluntary Organisation, Manipur Pradesh Nationalist Congress Party
have also joined the condemnation chorus.