CM hardsells Manipur is for all line
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 18 2011: A two-day State Level Tribal Cultural Festival got underway at the Tribal Research Institute Auditorium, Chingmeirong on the theme 'Harmonising and Honouring Our Culture' .

The tribal cultural festival, which is the first State level event organised by Tribal Research Institute Manipur was inaugurated by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh as the chief guest.

"Let's not forget that Manipur and its resources belong to each one of us who have inherited it from our forefathers.

"We have shared a common past and common ancestry and our interest also lies in a common goal and common future," said the CM while speaking at the opening function of the Festival.

Pointing out that Manipur is a land of diversity, he mentioned that inspite of the multi-lingual, multi-ethnic and multi-religious composition of the society, more than 30 tribal communities had been living together in peace and harmony with other communities since time immemorial.

"But the recent times have been full of trouble in Manipur in terms of ethnic rivalry and conflict.

Sharp divides along ethnic line have emerged due to conflicting claims and aspirations," Ibobi regretted while conceding that this conflict has adversely affected all efforts to bring development in the State.

A traditional dance underway at the festival

In this backdrop, the theme of the festival, "Harmonizing and Honouring our culture" is very relevant and appropriate and it is the need of the hour, the Chief Minister said and conveyed that "both hills and valley should be equally developed and we should learn to live together in harmony" .

Stating that tribal communities have traditionally been deprived and are backward societies, the Chief Minister said all out efforts are being made by the government for their development and empowerment.

Revival of the six District Councils after two decades is a big step in this direction, he asserted.

"Substantial power and authority has been delegated to the democratically elected ADC members and the government is committed to take the initiatives for greater empowerment of the Tribal people," he added.

The Chief Minister also congratulated the Tribal Research Institute Manipur for conceiving and organizing such a festival.

He asserted that the event not only holds immense importance for the tribal brethren but also the people of the entire State and shared his wish that the Festival would emerge as a unique annual event to serve as a platform for all the communities to share their cultural heritage and evolve harmony.

Lok Sabha MP Thangso Baite graced the occasion as the functional president.

The opening function was also attended by Tribal MLAs, District Council Chairmen and Members of District Councils.

Presentation of cultural dances and folk songs, special numbers by popular singers from various tribal communities were the main highlight of the opening function of the festival.