Mera Hou-Chongba widely observed with festive unity
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 27 2015: Mera Hou-Chongba, an age old traditional festival of Manipur was widely celebrated across the valley on Tuesday with festive unity.

The festival has been observed to strengthen the spirit of brotherhood and unity among the indigenous communities of the State.

ACOAM Lup Kangleipak and MMRC jointly celebrated the festival at MMRC Unit Park, Khangabok in Thoubal District.

Attending the 15th Mera Hou-Chongba festival as Chief Guest, Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai exchanged gifts with Kuki Mothers Association (KMA) Vice President Alu Kamsong to tighten the bonding between hills and valley people.

Speaking on the occasion, AK Mirabai said that Manipur is a State where different indigenous communities settled together and it is important to share love and live in peace.

Celebrating the Mera Hou-Chongba festival will help all in bringing hills and valley people together and strengthen emotional ties.

Mera Hou-Chongba widely observed with festive unity

Calling upon the people from all walks of life to stand united and fight together against outside forces, AK Mirabai said that there is no difference or hatred among the hills and valley communities of Manipur.

The true meaning of the festival needs to be shared with youngsters to strengthen the relation between hills and valley people.

The minister also called on all to "forget and forgive" past experiences and asked the people to focus on peace, unity and development.

State Government has been trying to bring development to all the communities irrespective of hills and valley divide, said AK Mirabai and appealed all to extend support to the Government.

Attending the function as Guest of Honour, Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) Convener-in-Charge Khomdram Ratan said that Mera Hou-Chongba is the most important festival for all the indigenous communities living in Manipur as it proves that the hills and valley had common roots.

Emergence of Hinduism, the advent of British rule in Manipur and India's annexation of the State had driven a wedge in the relationship between the hills and valley people, said Kh Ratan and called on all to fight external forces bent on bringing disintegration.

National Identity Protection Committee (NIPCO) President Medun Maring said that Manipur is not only for one particular community but for all who inhabit in the land.

He said the relation between the hills and valley people will progress if a festival like Mera Hou-Chongba is celebrated in all the districts.

The function was attended by ACOAM Lup Presedent Ksh Somorendro as President while Wangkhem A/C MLA K Meghachandra, United Committee Manipur (UCM) Consultative Member Ibotombi Khuman, IMOM President L Khuplar Kom, MMRC, Khangabok Chairman Major Mangang, Aimol Tribe Union President Athoi Bangte, Kabui Mothers Association Vice President Alu Kamsong were the Guests of Honour.

The function was attended by ACOAM Lup Presedent Ksh Somorendro as President while Wangkhem A/C MLA K Meghachandra, United Committee Manipur (UCM) Consultative Member Ibotombi Khuman, IMOM President L Khuplar Kom, MMRC, Khangabok Chairman Major Mangang, Aimol Tribe Union President Athoi Bangte, Kabui Mothers Association Vice President Alu Kamsong were the Guests of Honour.