DIPR calender copies set on fire over inclusion of ‘Kuki Rising Day’

Imphal: Kangleipak Kanba Lup (KKL) burnt copies of the official Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) calendar protesting inclusion of ‘Kuki Rising Day’ on October 17, which coincides with Mera Wayungba, a traditional ritualistic festival of Meiteis.

Volunteers of KKL staged protest demonstration in front of the DIPR office, here on Tuesday.

They talked out about the matter at length with DIPR officials at the directorate office. KKL officials and volunteers expressed discontentment with the entry of Kuki Rising Day in the calendar lambasting DIPR for failing to recognize the historical and cultural significance of the date for the Meitei community.

KKL media coordinator Dirash Hamom told reporters that there was no such day as ‘Kuki Rising Day’ in Manipur’s entire cultural and historical records.

He questioned how such a distorted event was included in a state issued calendar and expressed suspicion if it was propaganda fueled by the ongoing conflict. “The officials have clarified that it was included based on the official state Gazette notification.”

He demanded authorities to rectify the issue swiftly stating, “If not, It would prove the state backs Kuki militants.”