LSTB slams publication of book on Puyas 'furtively'

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 27 : The Lainingthou Sanamahi Tem-ple Board (LSTB) has stated that it will take action against individuals who published a book on Puyas (archaic Meitei manuscripts) after allegedly acquiring a property of the board without permission.
The board also called on everyone to return all copies of the book  "Puya: The Sacred Book" by December 29 and to refrain from selling it.
Addressing the media at Haying Khongbal today, LSTB vice president Vidyapati Senjam alias Wakhal Lamjingba stated that the LSTB was established following the passage of a resolution in the State Assembly, which was later issued as a gazette notification.
He explained that they have been collecting Puyas to publish a book and promote Sanamahism.
Stating that an Editorial Board of LSTB was formed in 2013 to publish a book containing over 200 Puyas in Bengali script, he added that the term of the Editorial Board, however expired in 2014 .
Vidyapati further stated that an agreement was signed in 2015 to publish the book and over 200 Puyas were handed over as the property of LSTB to Iboyaima Printers, located at Loklaobung.
He claimed some individuals colluded with the owner of Iboyaima Printers and published the book although the LSTB had sent multiple letters to  Iboyaima Printers to return the Puyas, with the latest letter issued on December 22.
Although the book is intended for the public, it was released through piracy and used the name of LSTB without authorization, he said and urged all individuals concerned to return every copy of the book to them by December 29, 2025.