Imphal, October 31: Governor Dr SS Sidhu and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh have joined many others in conveying their warm wishes to the people on the auspicious occasion of Kut Festival 2006 being celebrated tomorrow.

"As we all are aware, Kut a post harvest festival of Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups of people is celebrated as a thank-giving to God for bountiful harvest," recalled the Governor's message.

Mentioning that the Kut festival symbolizes, compassion, gaiety and gratefulness, Dr sidhu expressed that the occasion provides a unique opportunity to the people, irrespective of caste, creed and religion, setting aside all differences, to make sincere introspection of their own thoughts and value.

"Let Kut disseminate the message of peace, brotherhood, compassion and forgiveness amongst all the people of Manipur," wished the Governor.

Greeting the people on the arrival of Kut 2006, the chief Minister iterated that the festival is all about sharing, understanding, harmonious co-existence, cooperation and merriment and exuded confidence that apart from the festival bonding the people together it provides a platform to show and expose the rich cultural heritage of Chin-Kuki-Mizo people.

Joining the festival greetings, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) Maj Gen BK Chengapa opined 'the festival usher an era of peace, prosperity, harmony and brotherhood amongst the people of the State.

Meanwhile, acknowledging concern of the Kuki Liberation Army regarding Chavang Kut celebrations deviating from its traditional way of celebrating the annual harvest festival, the Kuki Mothers' Association, manipur called upon all right thinking citizens to contribute their mite towards retaining the festival's true and traditional fervour.

Toeing on the same line as advocated by the KLA, Kuki National Front has also called for exclusion of beauty pageant contest, western rock music programmes and abstinence from indulgence in alcoholism as well as check politicising the festival.

It warned of stringent action against any individual or group found attempting to paint the celebration in non-traditional manner.

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee and Ethno heritage Council (Hericoun) have conveyed warm wishes to the Chin-Kuki-Mizo groups on the auspicious occasion of Chavang Kut, being celebrated tomorrow.

In its message, Hericoun stressed on importance of celebrating such festival with the objective of promoting communal harmony through the participation of all the people of Manipur.

Hericoun also said it would wholeheartedly participate in the Kut celebration.

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