LDA presents boats ahead of Chadong Fest
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 12 2024: Ahead of the two-day 'Manipur Indigenous People's Cultural Exchange Festival-2024', which is hosted by Indigenous People's Forum, Manipur under the aegis of the Manipur Tourism Department and set to be inaugurated at Chadong village on Friday, two boats provided by the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) have been handed over the villagers on Thursday.

The boat handing over programme held at the newly constructed parking area in the village, was attended by Manipur Indigenous People's Cultural Exchange Festival Sub-Committee chairman Ashang Kasar, Chadong village headman (chief) Wungnaoyo Kasar, church leaders, and members of Women Society, Village Authority and Indigenous People's Forum, Manipur.

Speaking on the occasion, Ashang Kasar informed that all preparations for the festival are completed.

The goal of the festival is to further strengthen the bond between the indigenous communities and promote joint development.

The festival will be attended by around 24 indigenous communities of the state, he added and appealed to all concerned to help the festival become a success.

Ashang continued that Chadong village is over 400-500 years old, predominantly inhabited by the Tangkhul community.

The village had rich resources but it soon submerged under water with the construction of Mapithel Dam.

Despite the setbacks to their own future, the villagers never regretted sacrificing for the people.

As such, the government should take this into consideration and do something for the welfare of the villagers.

He stressed the need for the villagers to raise their voices for their rights, development and welfare to the government, in addition to shifting focus to tourism, agriculture, agro and fisheries suitable, if any, for the village.

For this, there is a need to consult, discuss and work together with the government and authorities concerned.

He then appreciated the government for giving its approval to hold the festival, adding that this is an opportunity for developing the village.

Chadong village headman (chief) Wungnaoyo Kasar appealed to all indigenous communities of the state to participate in the festival and make the festival a success.

Comment