Gaikhangam calls for integration; says hills & valley can't be separated
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 27 2015: The bond between the hills and valley communities should be strengthened by fondly remembering the "heart-touching" stories of age old Mera Hou-Chongba festival, said Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam on Tuesday during the celebration of the festival at Kangla Uttra.

Attending the function organised by Kangla Religious Committee, Kangla Fort as Chief Guest, Gaikhangam said that people living in the hills and valley should love one another and live in peace.

Hills and valley cannot be separated and the festival of Mera Hou-Chongba, which has been celebrated since time immemorial, truly depicted the fraternal relations between the communities.

Gaikhangam calls for integration; says hills & valley can't be separated

Citing the examples of love between the communities in the State when communications were far underdeveloped, Gaikhangam expressed dismay over growing hatred between the communities.

There are few sections of people who are acting as enemies when everyone has been trying to strengthen the ties between the hills and valley, pointed out Gaikhangam.

He appealed all to make extra efforts in bringing peace, unity and development in the State.

Giving the keynote address, Kangla Religious Committee member Dr Waikhom Romesh said that according to ancient records, Mera Hou-Chongba was known as Mera Hao-Chongba.

Old books "Tharon" and "Thaloi Nongkhailon" prove that the festival was celebrated in the month of Mera.

The celebration of Mera Hou-Chongba festival was written on page 19 of the book "Loidam Mera Tha." People in the State used to celebrate the festival together and it was written in the book "Hao Chongbagi Masil" .

During the festival, hills and valley people used to exchange gifts and expressed to the world that they are brothers, said Dr Romesh.

Manipur Government should establish an institute known as "Institute of Kangla Studies" so that people can pursue study on the rich history of the Kangla.

The function was attended by Kangla Religious Committee Chairman Sairem Nilbir as President while Deputy Speaker MK Preshaw, MLA Dr I Ibohanbi and Chief Secretary O Nabakishore were the Guests of Honour.

During the celebration, Gaikhangam and Dr Ibohanbi also exchanged gifts.