Umanglai Kanba Apunba Lup (UKAL) and Uttra Sanglen Sana Konung on Wednesday unanimously resolved to ban four ‘Tangkhul saba’ artistes from performing at Lai Haraouba festivals as disciplinary action for their alleged vulgar performances.
UKAL convenor Mutum Maniton told the media at the premises of Uttra Shanglen Sana Konung, Imphal on Wednesday that video clips showing vulgar performances of ‘Tangkhul Saba’ at some Lai Haraobas went viral on social media. Their actions are against social norms, he said.
The four are artistes are Ngangom Brojen, 35, son of late Ng Gulapi of Keinou Thongkha; Yumnam Bobby, 30, son of Y Babu of Lairenkabi Awang Leikai; Sorokhaibam Thoi, 45, son of S Nabakeshore of Senjam Khunou and Sorokhaibam Herojit, 36, son of S Ingo of Lairelkabi. In the viral video, four of them were seen demonstrating unusual and vulgar performance as ‘Tangkhul Saba’ at Kondong Lairembi; Chajing Karam Nongsaba and Changangei Khubomba, respectively during the Lai Haraoba festival, said Maniton.
He said all the artistes of Lai Haraoba festival are performing after they were given authorisation from Uttra Shanglen. However, they were not given permission to perform such unacceptable activities during the festival. A meeting was conducted at Uttra Shanglen by the members of Uttra Shanglen Sana Konung and UKAL, he said. The resolution for indefinite ban was taken during the meeting, he added.
Maniton further said that Uttra and UKAL have been monitoring the festivals to prevent such incidents. Raising concern that performances of such vulgar activities may mislead the people, he further appealed to the artistes of Lai Haraoba not to repeat similar activities in future.
If the four artistes are found performing any ritual activities, then intensified steps will be taken against them, he added.
Responding to the media, Maniton said that transgender were not included at Lai Haraoba festival since time immemorial. Lai Haraoba festival is celebrated only for ‘male and female’ sections and there are no such provisions for inclusion of transgender, he further said. However, the transgender can be included in the Lai Haraoba festival by wearing the traditional attire according to their biological gender, he added.
Maniton also appealed to the people not to upload any vulgar and indecent videos related to Lai Haraoba festival on social media. One should consult with Uttra Shanglen and UKAL instead as such acts can defame the unique culture of Manipuri Lai Haraoba, he added
