Manipur comes awake to Chakkouba this year !
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 04 2024: Even as the Manipur conflict is yet to be resolved, Ningol Chak-kouba was celebrated peacefully across the State yesterday.

Ningol Chakkouba, celebrated every year on the 2nd of Hiyangei month, is one of the biggest festivals of the Meiteis.

On this day, married women, on invitation, visit their parental home for a feast.

The festival celebrates the bond of siblings and family.

While people didn't celebrate the festival last year due to the violent conflict that has killed many and displaced thousands from their homes, the festival yesterday was peaceful.

There were no reported incidents of violence and attacks on Meitei villages.

Women who have been displaced by the conflict and are taking shelter at relief camps across the State also joined the festival.

Notably, units of Arambai Tenggol stationed at different locations across the valley region had sent invitations to the Ningols (women) staying in internally displaced people's camps.

The units hosted the displaced women in their respective areas.

There was a huge rush and traffic during the morning and evening hours of the day.

Roads in Imphal were jammed with vehicles.

Significantly, the festival yesterday was toned down, heeding calls from different sections and considering the hardships people are facing due to the ongoing conflict.

While women staying in relief camps have expressed happiness and blessed Arambai Tenggol for celebrating the day with them, the women said they want to celebrate the next Ningol Chakkouba at their homes.

The women said the conflict must be resolved at the earliest and they should be allowed to go back to their own villages.

"We are thankful to our brothers in Arambai Tenggol for inviting us and celebrating the festival with us.

God bless them and we wish them all the success.

But, we hope that we are able to celebrate Ningol Chakkouba next year at our home," said a woman.

The violent conflict between the Meiteis and the Kukis which erupted on May 3, 2023 has displaced more than 60,000 people from their homes.

Meiteis of Churachandpur, Moreh, Kangpokpi and several others pockets in the peripheries of the valley region are still displaced and they are staying in relief camps across valley districts.

Meanwhile, the women wing of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has appreciated people for buying and gifting products made by displaced people staying in relief camps for the festival.

COCOMI Women Wing's assistant coordinator RK Tharaksana Leima said people buying clothings and other products made in relief camps has not only sent a positive message to the displaced people but has helped promote the local economy.

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