CM's peace call echoes as State celebrate Kut
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 01 2008: Punctuated with the Chief Minister's reiteration for a negotiated settlement to the vexed insurgency issue along with traditional fervour and gaiety marked the celebration of Kut the biggest post-harvest festival of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo-Zomi group of people all over the State today.

The main function, however, was organised under the aegis of State Level Kut Committee, Manipur at Ist MR ground here.

Speaking as chief guest of the inaugural function, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said it is the festival of merry making and thanks giving to the Almighty after the hard labour of cultivation in the fields and reaping the fruit.

Miss Kut 2008 contestants wait for the announcement of the final round

After remaining in the shadow for quite some time, the popularity of Kut has gained ground and since 1979 the festival is being celebrated far and wide so much so that State Government has also declared November 1, the day of Kut celebration, as a public holiday to ensure participation of all the people, the Chief Minister said, while wishing that celebration of the festival would help in cementing the bond among different groups of people living in the State.

Stating that there could be nothing more fortunate than the success of signing the Suspension of Operation with Kuki UG outfits by the Government of India and Manipur Government with an eye on bringing about an honourable solution to the violence besetting the Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi communities, the Chief Minister also called upon other UG outfits to come out for peace talks.

To bring about a permanent solution, the State Government has been trying to identity the designated camps and number of the UG cadres of all the UG groups which are party to the Suspension of Operation, the Chief Minister said.

While appealing to all concerned not to violate the agreed ground rules of the Suspension of Operation, the Chief Minister said if the ground rules have been violated accidentally and one is feeling sorry for it, then it could be excused, but the Government would not tolerate if the violation is intentionally.

Delivering his presidential address, Power Minister Phungzathang Tonsing wished that the festival would promote peace and unity among the people and bring about prosperity in the State.

MPCC president Gaikhangam and PDA Chairman MLA Dr N Loken who attended the function as guests of honour also spoke conveying their best wishes to the people.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh also released a souvenir to mark the occasion attended by many Ministers, MLAs, top officials of the Civil, Police and Army.

Presentation of colourful traditional dances and folk songs were the main highlight of the inaugural function.

The celebration picked up its tempo in evening programmes with the stage coming alive to the sound of modern music and Miss Kut pageant.

IFC Minister N Biren and Chairman of Hill Area Committee Thangminlien Kipgen were respectively chief guest and president of the evening session of the celebration which was also attended by Agriculture Minister N Loken, RD & PR Minister Md Allauddin Khan and TD Minister DD Thaisii as guests of honour.

At OS Tuinom village of Sadar Hills, Kut was celebrated with Chief of Laobol Khunou village Letkhothang Haokip as Kutpa today.

Organised by OS Tuinom Youth Organisation, the celebration was attended by people coming from 15 different villages of the surrounding area.

Manipuri film actors like Kamala, Sonia, Kaiku, Olen and Guna who also participated in the celebration enthralled the crowd with their performance.

The celebration continued late into the evening with presentation of cultural dances and songs besides other entertainment programmes.

Our Jiribam correspondent adds: The District Level Kut Festival organised by Kuki Inpi, Tamenglong-Jiri Zone was also held today at Tatbung village in Tousem sub-division of Tamenglong district.

SDO of Tousem Depu Gangmei, president of Kuki Inpi Tamenglong-Jiri Zone PT Singbon and BDO Khoupum Kajaigai Gangmei were respectively chief guest, functional president and guest of honour of the celebration marked by cultural dances and other entertainment items.