Imphal, December 27 2009: The proscribed RPF has conveyed its best greetings on the auspicious occasion of Chakan Gaan-Ngai.

In a press release issued by the outfit's publicity secretary T Leisemba, the outfit prayed that the light of Gaan-Ngai festival may remove the dark sheath covering Manipuri society.

Pointing out that Manipur is home to 36 ethnic groups, the outfit iterated that each ethnic group should respect the traditional festivals of other ethnic groups.

The past history of Manipur does not contain any episode where one ethnic group tried to suppress the culture, tradition or religious practice of another ethnic group.

The Kabui community has deep roots in the land.

This was testified by Moirang Kangleirol (Moirang legends) where Kabuis occupied prominent places.

The outfit cited the names of Kabui Tomba and Kabui Salang Maiba.

All the legends testified the age-old fraternal bond between hill people and valley people.

The outfit further lauded Kabui community for producing many valiant freedom fighters, both men and women.

Kabui women fought bravely against British colonial rulers during the Second World War period, it recalled.

Besides being a socio-religious function, GaanNgai carries a strong sporting spirit, the outfit remarked.

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