No community should try to repress another community: CM
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, May 26 2018:
Chief Minister N Biren Singh has urged the people of the State to discard the notion of belonging to a small or big community and to put in joint effort in bringing development in the State.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the opening session of the 24th Khurpui-Lam Festival, 2018 at Chandrakirti Auditorium, Palace Compound today.
People of around 36 communities have been living together harmoniously in the State since time immemorial, and this is the beauty of unity in diversity which people of other States and countries are curious about, he added.
Stating that every community should learn to respect other communities either big or small, N Biren opined that no group/community should try to subdue another tribe or community in any manner.
The Chief Minister further said that the North East region has about 240 different communities speaking around 180 different languages.
He said that Kom community should be lauded for protecting their culture and identity despite being a small community.
The present Government's 'Go to Hill' mission was introduced with the idea of regaining the lost trust and love between the hill people and valley people, he added.
On the other hand, the 'Go to Village' mission was launched to deliver governance and benefits under different Governments themes at people's doorsteps, the Chief Minister said.
Stating that the present Government is trying to trace the old sacred places, which have connection with the civilization of Manipur, he informed that heritage complexes would be developed at different places like Makhel-Sajouba, Koubru and Anal Khullen etc.
The Chief Minister also assured that the Government would consider Kom people's demand for announcing Khurpui-Lam as a State festival and construction of a cultural hall.
Expressing concern over happening of some unwanted incidents which may spread ignite communal tension, the Chief Minister opined that nobody should play petty politics which may harm people's lives to gain power.
Speaking at the festival as the functional president, Social Welfare Minister Nemcha Kipgen stressed on the importance of peace and harmony for the development and growth of the society.
The Minister also urged the people to shed hatred, nepotism and self-centered ego and pride, so as to march in unity towards a better and brighter tomorrow.
She also expressed hope that the festival would promote peace and harmony in the State and also bring positive changes and transformation in the society.
Government Chief Whip and Moirang AC MLA P Saratchandra was also present at the occasion as the guest of honour.
Deputy Chief Minister while gracing the second session of the festival as the chief guest said that althoughthe people have different religious background, there have been commonness in cultures.
He said that a lot of similarities.
have been seen in many of the cultural performances among different people with different background in the State.
If commonness among cultures can be observed, there can be a cultural integration which is the binding force to bring unity and peaceful coexistence among us, he said.
Works Minister Th Biswajit Singh said that the people may have different religion, customs, culture and traditions, but they.all belong to human community.
He also exuded confidence that the State Government will try to support and recognized the festival in the state level.
Water Resources Minister Letpao Haokip also spoke on the significance of the festival for the Kom tribe Ginsuanhau Zou, MLA also spoke on the occasion.
Presentation of colourful traditional dances and songs was the main highlight of the festival which was inaugurated by the Chief Minister with the ringing of traditional gong.
As per the Kom legends, Kom people started celebrating Khurpui-Lam festival after killing a tiger which attacked them when they were living in the caves.
Khurpui means a big cave, and Lam means dance.
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