Let's find ways to strengthen unity: Dr Puni Lusi
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 09 2022: Mao Union, Imphal president Dr Puni Lusi has called for exploring ways to strengthen the hill-valley unity and keeping aside all past misdeeds for a strong and developed Manipur.

Attending the 22nd Mera Hou Chongba festival organised by ACOAM Lup Kangleipak under the theme 'Nobody can disintegrate hill-valley unity' at THAU Ground, Thangmeiband, here, on Sunday, Dr Puni said that everybody is aware of the fraternal hood between the hill and valley people.

Mera Hou Chongba also signifies this bond of brotherhood and has been keeping it alive down the years.

It is time to find the reason behind the gap in the relationship and explore ways to strengthen the bond of brotherhood.

Understanding the origin, culture and tradition can also help in bringing together the different indigenous communities, he said.

Silent village headman Ngamkahao Shiro stressed the need for creating mass awareness on the significance of Mera Hou Chongba across the state so that the younger generations understand the relationship between the hill and valley people.

He also called for publishing booklets on the origin of Manipur as well as the festival in both Manipuri and English language, and distributing the same to the public as part of the mass awareness campaign.

ACOAM Lup Kangleipak president Sanjit Soraisam spoke on how the advent of Hindu religion created division between the hill and valley people.

Even though those days are gone and people are on the path of forgetting the past mistakes and rebuilding the brotherhood, there are still elements trying to drive wedges in the relationship.

Fortunately, people are beginning to understand the divisive forces and it is the right time for all the indigenous communities of the state to stand united and strive for a strong Manipur, he said.

Speaking on the significance of the festival and how ACOAM Lup started celebrating the festival since 2001 at different places, he called upon the people of the state to play their part in strengthening the bond of brotherhood.

Gifts were exchanged among people of different communities at the event.

Later, Mera Lantern was hoisted to mark the occasion of Mera Wayungba.

IPAK president Ksh Somorendro, IPSA president Tourangbam Birjit and Laikot Kom village chief L Thangsho, among others attended the festival.

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