Maram-Thangal Union joint conference held
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 24 2015 : As a sign of goodwill gesture to foster friendship, peace and unity amongst the Maram and Thangal tribes of Manipur, the first ever joint conference of Maram-Thangal Union was held at General Thangal Ecological Park, Mayangkang, Senapati district today.

The conference was jointly hosted by the Thangal Union and Maram Union under the theme ""Revisiting the past and shaping the future" and with the aim to come together a single unit and work for the betterment of the region.

RD/PR and Economics and Statistics Minister, Francis Ngajokpa attended the conference as the chief guest while CEO, ADC, Senapati, Government of Manipur, Rang Peter was the guest of honour.

A monolith stone was erected adjacent to General Thangal Ecological Park to commemorate the age-old relationship of the Thangal and Maram tribes.

The Thangal and Maram tribes have been closely associated with various activities in the past and this age-old bond is exemplified by many similarities in their cultures, traditions and dialects.

A monolith being unvieled at General Thangal Ecological Park by RD/PR and Economics and Statistics Minister, Francis Ngajokpa (Right)

"To pave the way for the future generations, unitedly working for the upliftment of both the communities, the joint conference has been initiated by the two unions", stated Rang Peter.

He added that such step taken up by the leaders of both the unions should be appreciated by the people of the State as it could be a turning point towards a "unified" Manipur.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Francis Ngajokpa said, "We must work as one or no one will recognize us as we are one of the minor tribes of Manipur" .

The Minister urged the gathering to inculcate a sense of forgiveness and seek for a path that establishes unity, peace and harmony.

"We all are aware of the fact that the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) will be set up in Senapati district and I would like to earnestly urge the people not to confront this remarkable initiative as it would not only popularize the district but would also provide an enormous opportunity for the younger generations to come," asserted Francis Ngajokpa.

It may be mentioned here that the State Government is to provide 50-100 acres of land for setting up the IIIT in the district and the project will reportedly be set up under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Mode.

All the chiefs of Maram and Thangal villages, various leaders of students' unions, Churches, women societies and others solemnly pledged to respect and regard one another and work as one unit for the development of the tribes.

Numerous donors who extended assistance for the construction and erection of the monolith were also felicitated by the organizing committee.