Missionary Takhellambam Ramananda Will Face the Music for Blasphemy

Last Updated on April 2, 2023 by SPN Editor

Imphal police station detained Missionary Takhellambam Ramananda of Langol Tarung for making a highly blasphemous speech.

Evangelist Ramananda was making offensive remarks against the Meitei indigenous faith at a Gospel Outreach program of Sagang Baptist Church on March 26.

The incident was recorded on video and circulated on social media, leading to a complaint filed against Ramananda.

In his blasphemous speech, Missionary Takhellambam Ramananda made derogatory remarks and gestures, spat on the stage, and used highly offensive language.

Ramananda said, “Noigi mi siba kanda, noigi mi siba chatluba meeoishinga hallakpa kanda tairel mana pairaga eshing khiktokle aduga thongalda mei thai, karigino hairaga phattaba changdanabane hai, thui!”

This can be roughly translated into, “When your people die, those who went for cremation are sprinkled with water using Tairel leaves and fire is lit at the residential gates. On being asked about this practice/custom, people said that it is meant to ward off evil.”

His speech was directed toward the Meitei indigenous faith, a religion that has been practiced in Manipur for centuries.

The police acted swiftly and took Ramananda into custody. However, as per a source, one MLA from the hills reportedly took him away while the police were questioning Missionary Takhellambam Ramananda.

This incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of witnesses and victims, as well as the integrity of law enforcement in the area.

The Meitei community has expressed their outrage and condemnation over Ramananda’s derogatory remarks and offensive behavior.

The titular king and Rajya Sabha MP Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba questioned Missionary Takhellambam Ramananda’s identity and pledged to take strong action against him.

Maharaja Sanajaoba took to Facebook to express his anger and said that he would never forgive Ramananda for his disrespectful behavior towards the Meitei community. He even swore in the name of Ebudhou Pakhangba that he would “skin him alive” if an apology is not issued.

The king stated that he does not care if he remains an MP or not, he will not tolerate any derogation of the culture and customs of the Meitei community.

His comments have received widespread support from the Meitei community.

The incident has also raised concerns about the need for greater awareness and respect for different cultures and religions in the region. Many have called for greater education and understanding of the diverse faiths and traditions in Manipur.