Marathon race promotes gender equality and peace
Source: Chronicle News Service
Kangpokpi, March 24 2022:
A marathon race under the motto "Run for gender equality and peace" was organised at Dollang Circle, Noney district under the joint aegis of National Foundation for India (NFI) and European Union (EU).
Around 100 youths from Rongmei, Chiru and Thadou Kuki communities took part in the run held with the intention of cementing bonds and promoting gender equality.
The marathon started from Dollang village and culminated at Joujangtek village which is located at a distance of around 7 km.
29 Assam Rifles posted at Lamdangmei village supported the marathon race by providing breakfast and other logistic support.
"It is the first time after the Naga-Kuki conflict that young people from both the communities run together, putting aside our differences.
This marathon will usher in a new era by building a bond of love and understanding among the communities," said Jangminthang Haokip, a resident of Joujangtek Village.
"I feel so happy to experience for the first time running together with my co-youth from other communities.
Apart from the marathon we also play together that brings more understanding and love among us.
I wish this to continue so that there is no space for hatred and prejudice," said Gaisingngamliu Riamei of Gahtao Khopum village.
National Foundation for India (NFI) field coordinator Hejang Misao said that the marathon race was organised in consonance with the Sustainable Development Goals number 5 gender equality and 16 peace justice and strong institution.
The marathon race has been organised at the place where there was intermittent conflict among the communities and the objective behind organising such a programme is to build a bond of love among the youth so that they could not be easily led away by vested interest.