Peace marchers sing the native songs
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 08 2009: The Manipuri diaspora who arrived at Imphal yesterday from Silchar on their peace march under the banner of Manipur Levy, 2008 and invoking the theme of 'The spirit of freedom' were accorded a grand reception at Kangla here today.

When the peace marcher numbering more than 500 including both men and women set out from SAI complex at Takyel where they put up the previous night and arrived at the gate of Kangla, a large number of people including leaders of various social organisations, MP Dr T Meinya and Revenue Minister Th Debendra accorded them a warm welcome.

Manipur Levy marchers paying homage at Kangla Uttra

After entering Kangla, the peace marchers who were clad in clothings of white, red and blue colour stood in silence before Kangla Uttra paying their obeisance and later offered floral tributes at the temple of Ibudhou Pakhangba.

Some of the peace marchers who interacted with The Sangai Express at the occasion said that as a Manipuri they felt blessed on getting the rare opportunity of coming to the sacred site of Kangla and paying their obeisance.

Afterward a reception function was hosted in their honour at Kangla Hall with Revenue Minister Th Debendra as chief guest, MP Dr T Meinya as functional president and Organising Committee chairman of the Historic Peace March of the Manipuri Diaspora Churamani and Co-ordinating Committee of the event RK Ranendrajit as guests of honour.

Those who spoke at the occasion observed that Manipur is today passing through a very critical stage.

So the peace march of the Manipuri diasporas who could no more remain silent on the issues back home was very significant.

They also hoped that the peace march of the Manipuri diaspora would open a new chapter and encourage every section of the society to contribute their mite in saving Manipur from further degradation.

In continuation of the reception function, cultural dances and songs were performed by various cultural troupes.

After the reception function, the peace marchers left for Khuman Lampak Youth Centre where they will hold the night.

On the second day of their visit to Imphal tomorrow, the peace marchers would pay their homage to the memorial of the Manipuri King Gambhir Singh at Langthabal tomorrow.

Later during the day, exhibition matches of various traditional games and sports like Mukna Kangjei, Arambai Hunba and Sagol Kangjei would be performed at Mapal Kangjeibung here.