Imphal, May 04: The Sajibu Khudol Tamba Eegi Khongul Liba programme organised by the All Manipur Ethnical Socio-Cultural Organisation (AMESCO) since April 18 wound up at Tengnoupal in Chandel district today.

The programme had already been organised in different places of Ukhrul, Senapati and Tamenglong districts.

The concluding function of the Sajibu Khudol Tamba Eegi Khongul Liba programme was graced by AMESCO vice-president Changthoi Aimol as functional president, Tengnoupal village chief Thangkholen as chief guest and secretary of Tengnoupal village authority Sh Ngamleng and speaker of Rural People Development Federation G Mate as guests of honour.

The essence of the programme is in line with the tradition of presenting simple gifts by married sisters to their brothers on the arrival of the first month (Sajibu) of a year according to Manipuri calendar.

Giving keynote address of the function, AMESCO general secretary S Nando observed that all the ethnic groups of Manipur are related by blood and have a common ancestry.

With the passage of time, they settled at different places and developed their own distinct dialects, cultures and traditions.

Amidst all these differences and variations, there are many common elements and also a common language, noted Nando.

Any external force scheming to tear this beautiful mosaic of Manipuri society comprising of different ethnic groups and bound by common culture should be fought back collectively in a fitting manner.

However, he confided that the Sajibu Khudol Tamba Eegi Khongul Liba programme is specifically organised to strengthen the age old fraternal bond among different ethnic groups of Manipur against the many external forces threatening to divide the people of Manipur on ethnic lines.

Addressing the gathering, AMESCO publicity secretary BK Moirangthemcha recalled that adoption of Hinduism by king Pamheiba and the valley people, burning of Puyas in 1732 and embracing Christianity by hill people starting in 1894 at Ukhrul were some of the historical events that pulled apart the hill people and valley people in different directions.

He further called upon all the people of Manipur to revive and strengthen the filial relationships among all the ethnic groups which appears to be disappearing.

In his speech, G Mate exhorted that all the people of Manipur should be proud of being Manipuri.

He also called upon all to keep the bond of unity alive forever.

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