Civil organisations in Manipur have decided to derecognise Leishemba Sanajaoba as the titular king of the state over his failure to announce a stand against mixing of the king’s institution with electoral politics.
The All Manipur United Club Organsiation (AMUCO), International Peace and Social Upliftment (IFSA), United People’s Front (UPF), Heritage Council (HERICOUN), CCSK and the LIPUL in a joint statement said that as Leishemba Sanajaoba is firm on his decision to contest the Rajya Sabha election in spite of the plea against the same by the people of the state, the people now need not consider him as the king of Manipur.
The six organisations had earlier urged the king to clarify his stand on whether he would prefer to be a Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) or to remain as the king of Manipur on or before June 12.
Sanajaoba, in a statement, had expressed his desire to contest the Rajya Sabha elections without stepping down as the king. In view of his decision to contest the Rajya Sabha election while retaining his title as king, the six organisations decided to derecognise him as king of Manipur.
Meanwhile, another organisation, Meitei Leepun supported Sanajaoba’s decision to contest the Rajya Sabha polls. The members of Meitei Leepun visited the titular king at Chongabond and held discussion on the situation in Manipur.
A representative of Meitei Leepun, Priyananda told the media that it is the duty of every Manipuri to support the decision of the king. He said the organisation looks ahead for a prosperous Manipur under the leadership of Leishemba Sanajaoba.
During the meeting, the members of the organisation took blessings of the titular king and appealed to people to support Sanajaoba’s decision to become a Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha).