Let us forgive and forget historical mistakes: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, January 05 2023: "We are one", chief minister N Biren Singh said highlighting recent celebration at Makhel and the significance of the Makhel Heritage Park.

The chief minister was speaking as the chief guest of the inaugural function of Poumai Thounii 2023 on its second day at Phaibung Khullen, Senapati district, celebrated under the theme 'Sustaining Culture' .

Poumai Thounii which began on Wednesday will conclude on Friday.

"Let us forgive and forget our historical mistakes," the chief minister said highlighting his efforts to bring unity and equal development in the state and sought support and cooperation of the public.

N Biren recalled his relation with the Poumai community dating back to his early days as a NEROCA player.

He lauded the community for their discipline, hardwork and traditional values and said the communities of the state have brotherly relations.

"We were set apart due to lack of development, interaction and communication between the people in the past," the chief minister said highlighting the need to visit and interact with people from across Manipur to bring unity in the state.

He further stressed on the benefits of introducing the "Go to Hills" and "Go to Village" schemes.

Senapati district has also witnessed a huge developmental change over the past few years, he said highlighting the construction of Ima market, installation of open gyms, trauma centres, blood bank, oxygen plant, etc.

The chief minister also highlighted ongoing projects like indigenous sports complex, amusement park, astro turf installation at the district headquarter.

He also reflected on the government's efforts on war on drugs and to bring an end to corruption and further lauded and thanked the Poumai community for their support and response to the war on drugs.

N Biren termed as encouraging that the people seem to be emphasising more on terrace cultivation rather than taking up jhum cultivation, and added that the government is also in the process to encourage terrace cultivation.

Regarding the memorandum submitted to him, the chief minister expressed that he is quite impressed that the memorandum has laid special emphasis on natural and organic farming and assured to look into the memorandum.

N Biren confided about his plans to continue visiting more places to meet people and listen to their needs, while stressing that meeting people can strengthen love and develop understanding.

The chief minister further said that the "Go to Hills and Go to Village" scheme has helped people avail various facilities at their doorstep.

He also mentioned that Senapati district has changed a lot following the implementation of different developmental programmes by the state government.

He then said that his government is trying its best for equal development in the hills and the valley and appealed to all to extend support and cooperation to live as one.

Speaking on the occasion, works & YAS minister Govindas Konthoujam asserted that one's culture is the wealth and treasure inherited from the forefathers and emphasised the need to preserve and promote it.

The minister sought the cooperation from all quarters to achieve the chief minister's dreams.

MP Dr Lorho S Pfoze while expressing his admiration for the grand celebration stated that Mao and Poumai tribes are one as he called for unity among the people for a progressive society.

He also took pride in the rich culture of the community and said that God has blessed the land and its people.

In his welcome address, Poumai Naga Union president D Dailord Pao stated that the gathering of such a magnitude to celebrate together the traditional Poumai Thounii, 2023 is a manifestation of oneness, marching towards the ultimate destination of growing together as one.

Thounii in the past was celebrated by all Poumai community in their respective areas and villages to mark the dawn of New Year.

The celebration of the grand festival is to sustain the culture and traditions, to promote its values together, and to maintain and strengthen cohesiveness, he said.

The PNU president then urged all to look forward to sustain the industriousness, honesty and forbearance, tolerance and forgiveness and unity and upliftment.

In his greeting message, Solomon Arow, president Naga People's Organization, said that urbanization and westernization have a negative impact one's culture, history, identity and traditions.

The NPO president stressed that it is the right time to unitedly promote, preserve and protect the culture at this age of generation.

Earlier, CM Biren and his ministerial colleagues were accorded warm welcome by the public of the area.

Traditional trumpets were blown on his arrival.

The chief minister also unveiled a monolith of the village.

Cultural dance performances, fire making, whooping by Phaibung Union, release of souvenir, greetings from civil organisations and folk tunes were the highlights of the inaugural function.

The function was also attended by cabinet ministers Letpao Haokip, L Susindro Meitei and MLAs J Kumo Sha and Losii Dikho among others.

Several stalls also exhibited local products of the nearby villages, including those from Purul Rosofu, Chingmai Khunou, Purul Akutpa, Lakhamai, Laii, Koide, Thingba Khullen, Maiba, Siimai, Ngari Raiduloumai, Kodom Khullen, Ngari Khullen, Khamsom, Phuba, Taiwan Songdo and Phaibung Khullen.

The programme was held with MLA J Kumo Sha as the chief host, Tholu Salouni as the chief patron, and also attended by former minister DD Thaisii, CSO leaders and Poumai Chakhesang from Nagaland.

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