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Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh has urged the people of the State to discard the notion of belonging to small or big community and put in joint effort to bring development of the State by upholding the sense of oneness.
He was speaking as the Chief Guest at the opening session of the 24thKhurpui-Lam Festival, 2018 at Chandrakirti Auditorium, Palace Compound in Imphal East District today.
People of around 36 communities have been living together harmoniously in the State since time immemorial, and this is the beauty of unity in diversity which people of other States and countries are curious about, he added.
Stating that every community should learn to respect other communities big or small, Shri N. Biren Singh opined that no group/community should try to subdue another tribe or community in any manner.
The Chief Minister further said that the North East region has about 240 different communities speaking 180 different languages. He said that Kom community should be lauded for protecting their culture and identity despite being a small community.
The present Government’s ‘Go to Hill’ mission was introduced with the idea of regaining the lost trust and love between the hill people and valley people, he added.
On the other hand, the ‘Go to Village’ mission was launched to deliver governance and benefits under different Government schemes at people’s doorsteps, the Chief Minister said.
Stating that the present Government is trying to trace the old sacred places, which have connection with the civilization of Manipur, he informed that heritage complexes would be developed at different places like Makhel-Sajouba, Koubru and Anal Khullen etc.
The Chief Minister also assured that the Government would consider Kom people’s demand for announcing Khurpui-Lam as a State festival and construction of a cultural hall.
Expressing concern over happening of some unwanted incidents which may spread ignite communal tension, the Chief Minister opined that nobody should play petty politics which may harm people’s lives to gain power.
Speaking at the festival as the functional president, Social Welfare Minister Smt. Nemcha Kipgen stressed on the importance of peace and harmony for the development and growth of the society.
She said, “Culture can help us relate with our past, from our present position we can plan for our future. Our past should serve as the stepping stone for the changes needed for a better and brighter future. Only then we can achieve the desired changes required for the survival of our society.”
The Minister also urged the people to shed hatred, nepotism and self-centered ego and pride, so as to march in unity towards a better and brighter tomorrow. She also expressed hope that the festival would promote peace and harmony in the State and also bring positive changes and transformation in the society.
Government Chief Whip and Moirang AC MLA Shri P. Saratchandra was also present at the occasion as the Guest of Honour.
Presentation of colourful traditional dances and songs was the main highlight of the festival which was inaugurated by the Chief Minister with the ringing of traditional gong.
As per the Kom legends, Kom people started celebrating Khurpui-Lam festival after killing a tiger which attacked them when they were living in the caves. Khurpui means a big cave, and Lam means dance.
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