Imphal, September 13: Call for joint effort towards preserving the culture and tradition of the various ethnic groups of people living in Manipur since ancient time echoed at the occasion of the 8th anniversary of National Identity Protection Committee (NIPCO) which was observed today.

The anniversary function held at MDU Hall here was attended by president of United Committee Manipur (UCM) K Langamba as chief guest, NIPCO president Y Nabachandra as functional president and advisor of Zeliangrong Union, Imphal Zone R Chandra Haomei, advocate Md Manawar Ali and RK Ranendrajit as guests of honour.

Giving the key note address of the function, secretary general of NIPCO Sunil Karam observed that while working for the integrity of Manipur, all the ethnic groups of people living in Manipur should share in each other's sorrow and happiness.

To understand the problems of the people living in the hills, people from the valley should visit and interact with them.

It is to implement this objective that NIPCO has been established and since its inception has been trying to promote cordial relationship between the hill and the valley people through its works.

"However, instances of animosity that resulted from misunderstanding among ourselves from time to time is really unfortunate.

Instead of fighting among ourselves, we should find out who is our common enemy," Sunil exhorted the gathering.

In his address as chief guest of the function, K Langamba pointed out that the root cause of the common problems being faced by all the ethnic groups of people living in Manipur lies at the factionalism and inability of the UG groups to come together and work.

So it is high time for the people to say no to such conduct of the UG groups, he said.

In his presidential address, Y Nabachandra noted that preservation and promotion of the culture and tradition of all the ethnic groups in Manipur would help in building a National character of Manipur.

For this, we should work together along with appreciation of our own culture and tradition.

NIPCO has been working towards this end and would do so in future as well, he pledged.

Speaking at the occasion, HERICOUN president Renghang Chothe, who attended the function as one of the invitees, exhorted that all of us should never forget that Manipur is a State having its own language, script, culture and constitution and work to protect our own cultural identity.

Another invitee, president of Nupi Samaj K Taruni said all the organisations which have been set up for the welfare of the people should carry out their activities sincerely.

Leaders of various communities participated in the function.

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