Cultural exchange brings love and harmony, says IV Biren
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, October 22 2018:
Chief Minister N Biren Singh has conveyed that cultural exchange brings love and amity amongst the people.
He said this while attending as chief guest at the closing function of a yearlong Golden Jubilee celebration of Manipur Cultural Integration Conference (MCIC) at its premises at Palace Compound, Thangapat Mapal today.
The Chief Minister said that he was overwhelmed on hearing the past works and contributions of MCIC towards maintaining cordial relation between the hills and the valley.
The so-called hill-valley divide could have been avoided if the then successive Governments sought suggestions from MCIC and adopted its principles, he observed.
Stating that the new Government is committed to bridge the gap between the hills and the valley, Biren said that there has been considerable improvement in the hill-valley ties ever since the 'Go to Hill' mission came about.
The Chief Minister said the Centre had introduced Hill Areas Development Fund as a result of his suggestion to the Centre regarding the urgent need for a topographical-need-based budget in Manipur.
N Biren further said that, out of the 82 districts in the country short-listed for Hill Areas Development Fund for 2017-18 fiscal year, Tamenglong district had been included.
Now the district would receive an additional fund of Rs 90 crore for developmental works under Hill Areas Development Fund, he informed.
The Chief Minister also announced that the Government would construct a hall for MCIC soon.
Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Yumnam Khemchand and MCIC president A Brajakumar Sharma attended the function as guest of honour and president respectively.
Kshetrigao AC MLA N Indrajit and Yaiskul AC MLA Th Satyabrata also attended the function among others.
Artistes of Shri Shri Govindaji Nata Sankirtan, Wangkhei, Thadou Cultural Troupe, Motbung and Kalyan Ashram Manipur presented cultural programmes at the function.
Meanwhile, the dignitaries feted the past members of MCIC.
Earlier, floral tributes were paid to the late members of MCIC led by N Biren and Y Khemchand.