By Dr. Syed Ahmed, for TwoCircles.net,
Imphal: Two books written by Muslim writers were released on December 2, 2012 at a function organized by Writer’s Union, Manipur (WUM) at Imphal.
The book-release function was organized at Agriculture Directorate Conference Hall at Sanjenthong. The two books released were Mohd. Salim’s Nahakna Mapu lei Hairabadi and M.A. Hasim’s romantic novel Loktak Kheiba Hihonba, both written in Manipuri.
Prominent Muslim writer, M.M. Ahmed speaking at the function
The function was graced by Parliamentary Secretary for Minority and Other Backward Classes & SCs and Science and Technology, Md. Amin Shah as Chief Guest and Secretary of Writers’ Union Manipur, Mohd. Rashid Ali as President.
The function was attended by people from the literary circle of Manipur. Secretary of Manipur State Minorities Commission and Associate Professor of D.M. College of Science, Dr. Raheijuddin Sheikh introduced M.A. Hakim’s novel “Loktak kheina Hihonba.” The book was published by Mohd. Muhamuddin Sheikh.
Salim’s book Nahakna mapu lei hairabadi deals with Islamic themes. 42-year old Mohd. Salim had already released four books on various themes, namely Lamamangnaraba Punshi (1996), Thajabagi Mamai Chumlakpada (2004), Hazrat Esa (Jesus Christ) (2006) and Etha-Thajadana (2011).
Salim, born in Yairipok Tulihal in February 1970, is an employee of the State Police Department. At present he stays at Imphal.
Hasim’s novel, Loktak kheina hihonba was published by Writers’ Union Manipur. He is also another prominent young Muslim literary figure of this State. Hasim was born in Yairipok Mayai Keithel at Yairipok. He runs a school. He had already published three books, namely Janaki, Mela ama punsi ama, Sairengda tinkharaba wareng ama.
Writers’ Union Manipur
Writers’ Union, Manipur (WUM) is at present the most prominent literary body of the Manipuri Muslims. The union has so far published numerous books on various themes. WUM came into existence in June 11, 2006 after amalgamation of two prominent Muslim literary bodies of the State, namely Liberty Publishing Association and Muslim Writers’ Forum.
Liberty Publishing Association was formed in the late 1970s by a group of Muslim writers, namely Kayamuddin Pukhrimayum, Mohd. Abdur Rahman, Mohd. Hesamuddin, Md. Abdus Salam (Artist), among others, to promote literary activities among the Muslims in the State by publishing books. Muslim Writers’ Forum was established on August 13, 2000 with the aim to promote Manipuri literature, culture, art and to publish books on Islam.
The following were the members of the first executive members of the Forum: M.M. Rahman (President), Kayamuddin Pukhrimayum (Secretary), Fariz Nongjaimayum (Joint Secretary), Syed Muhamuddin (Treasurer), M.M. Ahmed (Member).
Parliamentary Secretary Md. Amin Shah releasing the books
The books and journals published by Muslim Writer’s Forum and Liberty Publishing Association are now regarded as the works of WUM. The following are the publications made so far:
Books:
1. Kayamuddin Pukhrimayum’s “Nonganlamdai Sajik” (1981)
2. Kayamuddin Pukhrimayum’s “Jahrulla” (1983)
3. R.K. Shri Sanahal Singh’s Pangal Thorakpa (1985)
4. Abdur Rahaman & Kayamuddin Pukhrimayum’s Pangalgi Khunung Esei (1986)
5. Abdur Rahman’s Eid ani (1987)
6. Abdur Rahman’s Yusuf Juleikha (1987)
7. Abdur Rahman’s Roja (1988)
8. Kayamuddin Pukhrimayum’s Pacha amasung magi Sahitya (Edited) (1991)
9. Abdur Rahman’s Pelle Taibang (2000)
10. Kayamuddin Pukhrimayum’s Epak tamlakliba Echel (Edited) (2000)
11. Mufidun Nisa’s Aroiba Khonjel (2001)
12. Abdur Rahman’s Eraldubu Karino (2002)
13. M.M. Ahmed’s Wakf law amasung Wakf Chatnarakpa (2002)
14. Fariz Nongjaimayum’s Nongthangna Kellakpada (2003)
15. Benjamin M Shah’s Anarkali (2003)
16. Azad Komol’s Yongmu amasung Seisakpa (2004)
17. Kayamuddin Pukhrimayum’s Sajibugi chingthrou mapal (2004)
18. Abdur Rahman’s Sahir-Salma Luhongba (2004)
19. N. Nisa’s Epakta Pinkharaba Pirang (2005)
20. M.A. Hasim’s Mela ama Punshi ama (2006)
21. Mufidun Nisa’s Mingselda Leichil (2006)
22. Abdur Rahman’s Ngaklaba Punshi (2007)
23. Najir Raja’s Machu Onkharaba Atiya (2007)
24. B. Kullachandra Sharma’s Christ 1891gi mamangda Meitei Pangal (Manipuri Muslim)gi Fibam (2010)
25. Mohd. Abdur Rahman’s Echel amasung Khonjel
26. M.M. Ahmed’s Manipuri Muslimgi Chatnabi amasung Harou-kumhei
Journals:
1. Mingsel (editions 1-40) edited by Kayamuddin Pukhrimayum (1980-1993)
2. Pambei edited by Benjamin M Shah (2003- )