Ethnicity, community based policies disturb peace in state: Governor
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 01 2010: Governor Gurbachan Jagat today said that ethnic conflict and self-centred policies of difference communities has disturbed the age-old glorious tradition of peaceful co-existence among various communities in Manipur.

Speaking as chief guest at the opening function of the celebration of the state level Kut festival here, he also made an appeal to all to work for peace and harmony and also for making efforts jointly to make Manipur a peaceful and prosperous state.

In today's trouble-torn society, peace is being disturbed.

It seems that the age-old glorious tradition of peaceful co-existence among the various communities seems to have been disturbed due to "ethnic conflict and self-centred policies of different communities.

It is quite unfortunate, he said.

Gurbachan said that the people have to reject all these differences and work together to make a peaceful and prosperous Manipur.

While celebrating "Kut", which exemplifies gratefulness, compassion, and gaiety, all should join hands and work together, setting aside their differences for the welfare of the state and its people.

The Kut festival �a thanks-giving festival for a bountiful harvest- is celebrated with the message of work-culture, peaceful co-existence, brotherhood, compassion and forgiveness.

Diviya Chingtham crowned Miss Kut 2010 flanked by Kim Haokip-1st Runners Up (R) and Khuraijam Rajeshwari-2nd Runners Up

Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing and Tribal Development minister DD Thaisii attended the opening session of the celebration function which was presided by PHED minister TN Haokip.

It was marked by presentation of traditional dances and songs by various ethnic groups and individuals of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo tribes across the state and from Mizoram.

Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing said that Meetei, Naga and Kuki are the three pillars of Manipur's integrity.

When these three pillars stand united and jointly work for peace, there will be development in the state.

Festivals are part of life.

It should be celebrated together keeping behind all differences so that peace can be given the centre stage.

If peace is there, development will come up automatically.

Once development is there, the centre will not hesitate in investing funds.

Then there will be no dearth of funds in the state, he opined.

Tribal development minister DD Thaisii in his brief speech said "Let us celebrate the festival peacefully.

Let us all participate in the festival.

PHED minister, TN Haokip called upon the people to celebrate the festival with the theme �forgive and forget.

Only then the celebration of the festival will be a meaningful one.

Chief Minister O Ibobi, Power minister, T Phungzathang Tonsing attended the evening session of the festival which would be marked by a beauty pageant and the selection of Miss Kut-2010 among other entertainment programmes.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister said that the celebration of the festival with the participation of people from other communities residing together since time immemorial will strengthen the ties among the different ethnic communities.

Kut also known as Chavang Kut is one of the most important festivals of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups.

It is recognized by the Government of India as a tourist festival.

The state level function was being held at 1st Manipur Rifles parade ground, Imphal.

The festival is celebrated by the Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups almost simultaneously during autumn with the prayer to God for bountiful crops and to shower His blessings for the well-being of the people.

The festival provides a unique opportunity to everyone to make a sincere introspection of their own thoughts and values.

It occupies a unique position in the lives of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups of the state.