Imphal, April 20: Under its annual programme of Sajibu Khudol Tamba Eegi Khongul Liba, aimed at reinforcing the age-old fraternal ties among the different ethnic groups of Manipur, the All Manipur Ethnical Socio-Cultural Organisation (AMESCO) presented simple gifts to the elders of Mao ethnic group today.

At a simple but solemn function held at Kalinamei UJB School under Mao sub-division of Senapati district, women volunteers of AMESCO presented the gifts.

The function attended by villagers of Kalinamei and Phikomai was graced by Kalinamei village chairman M Kholi, village secretary B Nelli, AMESCO vice-president IB Luwang and AMESCO general secretary S Nando as presidium members.

Giving key-note address of the function, S Nando observed that the tradition of presenting simple gifts like clothes weaved by their own hands by married women to their brothers and parents has been in practice since the 36 indigenous ethnic groups of Manipur got their different names.

Of the six programmes organised by the AMESCO in a year, Sajibu Khudol Tamba is one among them.

The other programmes are Christmas, Gaan Ngai, Idul Zuha, Mera Hou Chongba and Ningol Chakkouba.

Saying that these programmes are based on the unique cultures of each ethnic group, Nando asserted that AMESCO not only respects the cultures of each group but has also been doing research on the traditions and cultures of each ethnic group.

He further clarified that there is no question of AMESCO organising such programmes based on a single religion or with the motive of spreading a particular faith.

Addressing the gathering, Phikomai Village Authority member Meireeli narrated a detailed history about the first settlements made by Mao and other ethnic groups of Manipur in the hills and valley.

Former secretary of Phikomai village, M Asiho presented a solar calendar of Mao group to the AMESCO.

He also spoke on the Mao calendar.

In his address, IB Luwang stated that the AMESCO never acted against the interest of any ethnic group of the State.

Rather AMESCO has been preserving and promoting history, culture and tradition of all the ethnic groups.

It is not bound by any religious faith, he said.

Kalinamei village chairman M Kholi lamented that the inter-village road from NH 39 to the rural hospital through their village is in the most deplorable condition.

Moreover, the villagers are also facing the inconvenience of the absence of a community hall.

The village has 671 households with a total population of 6084 .

The Phikomai village having 210 households with a total population of 2000 is not better in any way, said Kalinamei secretary B Nelli.

Even though Mao area produces abundant quantity of agricultural produces like potato, cabbage and passion fruit, larger percentage of these produces are marketed at Kohima or Dimapur because of the bad condition of the Imphal-Mao road, he conveyed.

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