Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 30 2009:
On the occasion of Kut festival, the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) has conveyed its warm traditional greetings 'Kut Chibai' to one and all.
A press release issued by the KNO's information and publicity secretary Lenin H Kuki said that Kut is an occasion of thanksgiving and a gala event in honour of the provider of abundant harvest.
However, in the name of globalisation and modernisation, indigenous cultures and values have been seriously threatened to the point of extinction.
Under such situation, it is the bounden duty of each and every Kuki to preserve, promote and show their rich cultural heritage to the outside world.
The KNO also expressed serious concern over the uncontrolled deforestation in the hills which has been directly affecting the inhabitants and the environment.
Despite the serious consequences of deforestation arising out of jhum cultivation, the hill people have no alternative means of survival as the Government has not been arranging any sustainable development option to substitute jhum cultivation till date, the KNO lamented.