8th Zeliangrong Folk Festival concludes
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 13, 2012: The 8th Zeliangrong Festival-2012 organised under the aegis of Society for Promotion of Community Task (SPCT) which commenced from December 12 concluded today at Keithelmanbi (Namching) Ground in Senapati district with Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam as Chief Guest today.

Speaking on the occasion, Gaikhangem said that Zeliangrong is one of the many ethnic tribes settling in Manipur with their own rich culture and tradition.

In such a state where different ethnic tribes live together, no individual or group should try to create problems to other tribes or communities while trying to protect and safeguard their own identity.

He further stated that Manipur as a whole is also rich in culture and tradition.

We need to develop this beautiful state of ours and bring about communal harmony in the state since all the different tribes settling in the State desire and long for lasting peace.

The Deputy Chief Minister, while acknowledging that peace, solidarity and unity has been prevailing in the State since time immemorial, also appealed to the people to promote peace and harmony and peaceful co-existence among the different communities and added that "by organizing such festivals we are promoting the beautiful culture and tradition of the State".

Later, replying to a memorandum submitted to him by SPCT, Gaikhangam assured that he will make maximum efforts to construct a Zeliangrong cultural complex office building; at Tongjei Maril after preparing a detailed project report and the proposal will be intimated to the concerned ministry.

Gaikhangam also donated Rs 50,000 to the organizing committee of the festival.

Social Welfare Minister, AK Mirabai, who was also present on the occasion as one of the Guests of Honour, stated that all the ethnic groups settling in the State should mingle together and protect the integrity of the State.

We should keep away the difference in caste, creed and religion and help in restoring peace and harmony in the society, she exhorted the gathering.

IFC Minister Ngamthang Haokip, who presided over the function, observed that Zeliangrong people are peace loving people who have their own unique culture and tradition.

The Zeliangrong people should preserve their culture in its original form.

The function was also attended by MLAs RK Imo, T Manga Veiphei and Z Kikhonbou as Guests of Honour.

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