State comes alive to spirit of Chavang Kut
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 01 2019: As celebrated in various parts of the North East region, Chavang Kut, the post harvest festival of Kuki-Chin-Mizo communities was celebrated in the State too.

The State level function of the festival was organized by the State Level Kut Committee (SLKC), Manipur today at 1st MR Ground, Imphal with various tribes belonging to Kuki-Chin-Mizo communities showcasing their rich traditional and cultural heritage.

Governor Dr Najma Heptulla, Agriculture Minister V Hangkhanlian, Hills Area Committee Chairman TT Haokip among others attended the noon session of the function as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.

State comes alive to spirit of Chavang Kut

Speaking as the function, Najma Heptulla urged the various communities residing in the State to set aside their differences and resolve not to resort to bandhs and blockades saying it severely impacts the poorer section of the society more.

She also asked all communities to work for overall welfare of the State by leaving aside egoism and ethno-centric policies.

The State is full of problems with rifts between various communities which are challenging the age old tradition of peaceful co-existence in the State.

These rifts rather than being narrowed are being widened, the Governor rued.

In such an environment, the growth curve has been stymied, even though the State has huge potential.

With increase in population, pressure on land is bound to increase thereby creating new conflicts.

"We have seen this in the past not only in Manipur but also elsewhere and this will rear its ugly head in the future too", she lamented.

Citizens of Manipur as responsible people should ensure that the differences among the communities are settled through talks and negotiations instead of resorting to violence, including bandhs and blockades, the Governor added.

Describing Manipur as a land of festivities, fun and frolic which go on throughout the year, Najma went on to maintain that the festivals in the State project the cultural, social and religious aspirations of various communities.

Further opining that the festivals are perfect for removing the monotony of life and help the people lead a fuller and better life, she expressed hope that the festivals will not only help in promoting collective identity of Kuki-Mizo-Chin brethren but will spread the message of peace, love, communal harmony, friendship and brotherhood amongst different communities in the North East and specially in Manipur.

"Kut festival provides an opportunity to not only make merry but to introspect into our past and plan for the future", she added.

TT Haokip in his speech termed COCOMI's imposition of total shutdown in the State on the day of Kut Festival as unfortunate and deplorable.

Saying that the extension of COCOMI's shutdown has no reasonable justification even though the CSO announced that no disturbance would be given to the Kut celebration in any manner, he pointed out that suspension of public transportation in the State in support of the total shutdown compelled most common people, specially from Kuki-Chin-Mizo communities to abstain from attending the festival as they cannot afford to come in private vehicles.

TT Haokip then appealed all concerned not to repeat such things/acts in the future.