HERICOUN bats for emotional integrity in state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 16 2024: Asserting that religion and politics have been the major factors for threat to unity among different-communities settling in the state, HERICOUN has pledged to promote emotional integrity and cultivate sense of love and unity among all communities.

Speaking at its 22nd foundation day celebration held at JN Manipuri Dance Academy, here, on Thursday, president Yumkhaibam Surjitkumar informed that unlike in the past when HERICOUN used to celebrate its foundation in a grand manner, the commemorative event this year has been toned down owing to the present humanitarian crisis by holding 'Khangminnashi Iramdam Quiz Competition Final Round' and presentation of 'Tomthin Khudol' to Shumang Leela artiste Sorokhaibam Robindro for his contribution in promoting the culture and tradition of Manipur.

Surjitkumar also expressed concern over absence of sense of nationalism among contemporary students, attributing it to a limited understanding of Manipur's history, culture and traditions, primarily due to the curriculum's focus on other states.

To address this lacunae, HERICOUN has been organising 'Khangminnashi Iramdam Quiz Competition' to instill sense of patriotism by promoting knowledge about their homeland, with the final round coinciding with the Council's foundation day He further emphasised that HERICOUN was founded with the goal of fostering emotional unity within the state.

The current crisis, sparked by attacks by illegal immigrants and Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists, stems from failure of understanding among the indigenous population.

"It is our lack of cohesion that makes us vulnerable to attacks from outsiders.

The manipulation of politics and religion, aimed at dividing indigenous peoples and destroying Manipur, is fallout of our lack of emotional unity," he said.

Speaking as guest of honour, All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) president Bijoy Kakchingtabam called the ethnic conflict as a proxy war, with those helming the affairs in the country instigating and aiding one of the parties in conflict.

The Nagas had experienced the same impact in the past and now the Meeteis are facing the brunt.

It is time for the Kuki people who have been living in this state for last many years to clearly understand the reality, he stressed.

Maintaining that violence is not the answer, Bijoy called for identifying elements undermining the unity of Manipur.

Only through such recognition can the territorial integrity of Manipur be preserved, peace restored and development achieved.

He also pointed out the need for HERICOUN to search for this path which could bring solution to the crisis.

The function was also attended by Manipur University retired professor W Nabakumar, HERICOUN advisor Longjam Ratankumar and WASDEV president Rk Tharaksana as presidium members.

Loktak Christian Model High School, Moirang Lamkhai, Bishnupur; BBR Unique School, Thinungei Awang Leikai; Little Flower School, Sangaiprou, Imphal; New Era Higher Secondary School, Thoubal; and Sacred Heart School, Yairipok Laimanai Top Chingtha bagged the first, second, third, fourth and fifth position respectively in the 'Khangminnashi Iramdam Quiz Competition' final round.

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