Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, January 07 2009:
THE HISTORIC Peace March of the Manipuri Diaspora under the banner of Manipur Levy-2008 will be arriving at Imphal and converged at Kangla tomorrow evening.
The marchers reached the Takyel SAI Complex last evening.
After a night's hold at New Keithelmanbi, the march was flagged off at 1.30 pm by village chief Lemba Kabui of Maha Namching Kabui village and advisor of the New Keithelmanbi Bazar Board Committee, Manihar.
On their way to SAI Complex at Takyel, the marchers were greeted by Meira Paibee organisations, students and public.
President of Manipur People's Party, Dr L Chandramani, former Union Minister, Th Chaoba, MLAs O Joy, Dr Ng Bijoy, RK Anand and I Ibohalbi and party workers gave the marchers a warm welcome at Unikhong Bazar by showering them with flower petals, blowing conchs in traditional style and playing band.
The MPP leaders honoured and garlanded the oldest among the 500 or so marchers, a 70 year-old woman, Sanathoi from Kamaranga of Cachar.
At the reception function, Dr Chandramani recalled the Seven Years Devastation in the history of Manipur.
At the end of his speech, Dr Chandramani along with the marchers shouted together, "Manipur Eemaana yaiphare, Manipur Levy-2008 na yaiphare" (Victory to mother Manipur, Victory to Manipur Levy-2008) .
Sports-persons of SAI Complex, Takyel gave demonstrations on Tae Kwondo, Karate and Wu Shu martial arts before the marchers.
Director of SAI, L Tiken hoped that the march would rejuvenate peace and cordial co-existence among the communities of Manipur.