145,000 ancient books destroyed in Manipur arson attack

A separatist rebel group, Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), Manipur, India were among the destroyers... again of Indian heritage.

Officials say many of Manipur's most ancient texts were among the books destroyed by the fire.

Historian Gangumei Kamei said the loss of so many books was "an incalculable loss" to Manipur's heritage.

But the state government insists that it will only introduce Mayek gradually, because its sudden introduction could cause problems for a generation of Manipuris who are not familiar with the ancient script.