The Manipur Congress has lambasted the BJP-led government in the state over construction of a Hindu temple at a ‘sacred’ place belonging to the ancient Sanamahi religion of Meiteis.
The Manipur Congress termed the construction of a Hindu temple at the location as ‘blasphemous’.
Briefing the media in Imphal on Tuesday, Manipur Congress leader N Bhupenda Meitei said: “Manipur Congress strongly condemns the blasphemous attack against the ancient Meitei Sanamahi religion by the BJP Government in Manipur.”
On Monday, Manipur Congress working president K Meghachandra also raised voice against the “religious sacrilege and blasphemous acts done to destroy the indigenous and ancient Sanamahi religion of Meitei/Meetei by BJP Government at Sana Konung (Royal Palace Complex) in Imphal”.
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Meanwhile, tensions continue to prevail at the Sana Konung (Royal Palace Complex) after construction works of a Hindu temple were taken up at the premises of Pandit Loishang on Sunday.
Pandit Loishang (institute of Amaiba and Amaibis), which is considered to be the custodian of social customs of indigenous religion of Meitei community, is located inside the campus of the Royal Palace (Sana Konung) in Imphal.
The Amaiba and Amaibis (priests and priestess) had attempted to set on fire the materials unloaded at the campus for the construction of the temple.
Intervention by the police prevented the agitating priests and priestess from damaging the construction materials. Since then, the premise has been placed under the protection of the security forces.
Members of Pandit Loinshang have been staging protests against construction of the temple inside the premises.