Manipur CM backs indigenous sports at Naga wrestling meet in Senapati

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday called for more support to preserve the state's traditional sports and martial arts, speaking at a demonstration of Naga indigenous wrestling in Senapati.

The event at Senapati's Astro Turf Ground was organised by the Senapati District Wrestling Association Manipur, and drew participants from 25 communities, India Today NE reported.

Every community has its own wrestling

The Chief Minister compared Naga indigenous wrestling with Mukna, the traditional wrestling of the Meitei community, and said each of Manipur's communities has its own sporting heritage that needs institutional backing so that it survives for future generations.

Singh, who was recently made a 9th Dan Grand Master in traditional taekwondo, spoke about his own background. He said he learnt the Meitei martial art Thang-Ta as a child, and took up taekwondo after watching Bruce Lee's Enter the Dragon in the 1970s, when he was in Class IX. Over time, he said, he had come to see why indigenous martial arts and cultural practices must be protected.

He pointed to the Shaolin tradition in China, which draws visitors from around the world for martial arts training and research, and said Manipur's traditional sports could also win wider recognition.

"A message of peace"

Singh said he came to Senapati to encourage Naga indigenous wrestling, and that the participation of 25 communities in one event reflected unity and sent a message of peace. He said today's elders had a responsibility to work together so that the next generation grows up in a peaceful Manipur.

The programme also marked Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, which honours tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda. Sports kits were handed out to players from Senapati district, and the Chief Minister opened an exhibition football match between Senapati FC and the under-15 boys' team of Hills Academy.

Meetings with local groups

During the visit, Singh met representatives of the BJP's Senapati unit, the Naga People's Organisation, the Senapati District Students' Association and the Senapati District Women's Association at the Deputy Commissioner's office. They raised grievances affecting residents of the district and asked for the state government's attention. Details of the issues raised were not made public.

Context

The visit to a Naga-majority hill district comes as tensions between Naga groups and the state and Central security set-up remain high. Naga organisations held large rallies in Ukhrul and Kamjong on November 5 demanding the Centre's intervention and the withdrawal of Assam Rifles from Naga areas, after vehicles were fired upon on the Imphal-Ukhrul road.