CM calls for oneness at tribal cultural fest
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 23 2013: Inaugurating the 2nd State Level Tribal Cultural Festival at Tribal Research Institute Complex, Chingmeirong today, Chief Minister O Ibobi has called upon all the people not to forget that they are all Manipuris.

The three-day long tribal cultural festival with the theme 'Our Culture, Our Identity' is being organised by the TRI under the joint sponsorship of Manipur Government and Ministry of Tribal Affairs, GoI.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister highlighted the diversity of Manipur, which has more than 35 tribal communities living together in peace and harmony since time immemorial.

Each tribal group has its own distinct culture, customs and traditions and this is what makes up the whole called Manipur, he stressed.

A traditional dance staged at the cultural festival

Pointing out that the TRI has been established to undertake research on various tribal customs and preserve them for posterity in the face of the influence of modern civilisation and Christianity on their cultures and traditions, O Ibobi assured to strengthen manpower and develop necessary infrastructure of the Institute.

He also appealed for peaceful coexistence of all communities in the State for a more prosperous and developed Manipur.

Talking to reporters at the sideline of the event and referring to the proposed series of agitation lined up by the Kuki State Demand Committee, the Chief Minister asserted that solution to any demand would come through negotiations.

Other than causing hardships to the public, nothing would be achieved by imposing bandhs and blockades.

In the same tune, Deputy CM Gaikhangam also stated that using bandh/blockade as a tool for raising demands would only cause inconvenience to the public.

He also appealed the organisation concerned to withdraw the proposed blockade.

Gaikhangam also categorically stated that the Government would not remain a silent spectator if groups under SoO pact violate the rules and law.

He pledged that the Govt would initiate appropriate action according to Law against any law violators.

The Dy CM also urged civil organisations and NGOs concerned to bring outlaws to the path of peace instead of extending help to them.

The Govt is not biased in its endeavour to bring development to the State, the Dy CM said.

Dy CM Gaikhangam and IFCD Minister Ngamthang Haokip graced the inaugural function as the president and guest of honour respectively.

Various tribal MLAs, ADC Chairmen and members, amongst others, attended the programme as special invitees.

Presentation of cultural dances, folk songs, and modern songs by various tribal communities marked the inaugural function of the festival today.