Gaikhangam calls for protection of one's identity
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, January 20 2015: Maintaining that Manipur is a beautiful place where people belonging to different communities co-exist in harmony, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, who also holds the portfolio of Home, called upon the people to protect identities of all communities together and strengthen the cordial relationship amongst them.

He was inaugurating a five-day long Kharam Students' Conference cum Cultural Meet 2015 being organized by All Kharam Students' Union Manipur at Laikot Kharam Village in Senapati district on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, Gaikhangam acknowledged that Kharam community is blessed with unique identity and culture and called upon its people to contribute towards protecting identities of all communities.

Gaikhangam calls for protection of one's identity

The Dy CM made it clear that the government has cancelled recognition of around 200 villages after it came to light that the recognition was given at official level without the consent of the government.

However, discussion will be held by the government to give recognition to genuine villages amongst the derecognized villages.

A village whose name has been given merely cannot be recognized, he said.

Admitting that Laikot Kharam Village is amongst the list of villages which the government has derecog-nized, Gaikhangam said that the government has taken note of the memorandum submitted by the village authorities urging to give recognition to the village.

There is no doubt in saying that origin of people of the hills and valley is same.

Younger generation should trace the origin of their common forefathers apart from trying to understand the rich culture, tradition and identity of the State, he exhorted.

The Dy CM further said that there is a need to nurture youths as future of the State lies in their hands while adding that people of all communities should equally contribute towards maintaining peace and tranquility in the State.

Expressing grave concern over forest wildfires and deforestation in hills, Gaikhangam said that it is not right to opt for wildfire and cut down trees just for earning some amount of money.

He urged village chiefs to intervene in stopping unwarranted practice of forest wildfire and deforestation as it pose threat to the existence and development in villages.

Preservation of forests would help in enhancing the natural habitat which is vital for existence of human.

Concerted efforts should be put in from all sections to preserve forests in the State, the Dy CM observed.

Kh Biren, MLA of Lamlai Constituency who presided over the function, said that it is the responsibility of every citizen to protect and preserve the culture and identity of Manipur.

Appreciating the people of Kharam community for efforts towards preserving the rich culture and identity, the MLA urged the government to take up effective measures to bring welfare and development in Laikot Kharam Village.

Today's function was also attended by Zerkhomang Serto, president of Komrem Union Manipur; R Samuel, president of Kharam Union Manipur and L Thangso, chief of Laikot Kom as special invitees.

To mark the occasion, cultural performances and sports competitions were held.