Zomi Convention kicks off amid razzmatazz
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Lamka, October 25 2013 : The opening ceremony of the 3rd Zomi Convention kicked off amid pomp and gaiety here at Lamka Public Ground (south Manipur) on Friday with the ground transforming into a huge cultural party venue as cultural troupes from various ethnic communities of the State, including Myanmar show-cased colourful programmes enthralling the crowd.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam inaugurated the function while Phungzathang Tonsing, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Md Nasir, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Chaltonlien Amo, Chairman, Hill Areas Committee shared the dais.

T Manga Vaiphei, Chairman, MTDC, Vungzagin Valte, Parliamentary Secretary for Horticulture and CADA, Ginsuahau Zou, MLA, Singhat Constituency, Lang-khanpau Guite, Chairman, ADCC, Churachandpur district, Mannuamching, CEO, ADCC, Jacintha Lazarus, Deputy Commissioner, Mangokhin Haokip, Superintendent of Police among others were also present at the occasion.

A cultural event underway at opening ceremony of the 3rd Zomi Convention

Speaking on the occasion, Gaikhangam said that the 3rd World Zomi Convention brings a message of love, peace and harmony, brotherhood and impartiality among the different communities in Manipur.He released the souvenir and journals of the convention during the function.

LB Sona, chairman, Zomi Council in his speech said the Zomi Council during its general assembly on April 23, 2013 unanimously decided to organise the World Zomi Convention taking into consideration the fact that there are thousands of Zomi scattered across the globe, professing Christian faith and therefore it is felt necessary that they gathered together, reason together and discussed the emerging issues, challenges and opportunities of the Zomi.

He said, "This year's edition of the three-day long convention is being oraganised with the theme "Marching on�" and I sincerely hope and pray that the series of worship programmes, seminar and cultural events to be conducted during the convention serve its intended purpose and become a milestone in the annals of the Zomi history" .

Union minister of Road Transport and Highways, Oscar Fernandes who was invited to the opening function of the convention was not present.

In a letter to LB Sona, Oscar Fernandes said he would not be able to attend the convention due to the announcement of election to the state assembly in five states in near future and urgent matter cropping up in his ministry to attend to.