IMPHAL, October 19: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has assured to either review or withdraw the Govindaji Temple board (Third Amendment) Bill in the next Assembly session.
He gave the assurance to the volunteers of Umanglai KANBA Apunba Lup in the annual conference on Umanglai Haraoba `Mera Meephamgee Paojel` held at the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen. The conference was organised by (UKAL).
Ibobi further appealed UKAL to present a proposal which is legally acceptable to the State government.
UKAL takes a vital role in protecting and preserving our rituals. If UKAL is included under the Art and Culture department or has a directorate of its own then various schemes or provisions can be provided for the welfare of UKAL, he said.
He further assured that even if the bill was passed in the last budget session, it is yet to receive the assent from the Governor after the government requested him to keep the bill on hold.
Ibobi elaborated that the State government will not act against public opinion or hurt their sentiments.
He clarified that the controversy erupted after the bill was passed due to the misconception that Umamanglai worshippers need to take permission from the Govindaji Temple Board for performing rituals.
The bill will not affect worshipping Umanglai because the Moirang Thangjing or Nambol Umanglai celebrations have never taken permission from the Govindaji Temple Board till date, he said.
Now, the bill has become a big issue in the State so the government is considering repealing or withdrawing it in the next assembly session, he assures.
