Manipur objects to production of 'leirum phee' in UP

03 Jun '20

2 min read

Pic: madeinmanipur.com

Following reports that Manipur’s traditional scarf ‘leirum phee’ is being marketed on large scale under the name of ‘gamchhaa’ or ‘Modi Towel’ after being manufactured in a powerloom unit in Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki, the former’s directorate of handlooms and textiles has written to the ministry of textiles to immediately stop the production.

The ‘leirum phee’ is indispensable to the Meitei community, the largest non-tribal people in the state who use it during all social and religious events.

Manipur’s director of handlooms and textiles K Lamlee Kamei, in his letter addressed to the textile ministry’s development commissioner for handlooms, said the traditional muffler has cultural, historical and emotional value attached with the people of Manipur and his directorate had been taking up steps to get a Geographical Indication tag for the item, according to local media reports.

The letter pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had worn the scarf while addressing the nation on the Independence Day and when he announced the COVID-19 lockdown 2.0 on April 14. The prime minister had also worn the same in other rallies and functions.

Kamei convened a meeting recently of officials and experts to look into the issue. The state government may seek legal recourse, according to another media report.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

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