CM blows unity trumpet
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 06 2011: Inspite of differences in religious belief and affiliation it should be remembered that the people of Manipur are one, reminded Chief Minister Okram ibobi Singh while attending the traditional exchange of gifts between the hill and valley people at Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board premises today.

The event is held during the Mera month and is believed to have been held since time immemorial.

Pointing out that the indigenous people of Manipur had their own faith and belief before the advent of Hinduism, Christianity or other religions, the CM asserted that co-existence of various communities in the State is a testimony of a compact society based on the principle of secularism.

Under secularism there is no restriction in the promotion or propagation of one's religion, he said while hastening to add that the indigenous people need to ensure their traditional belief and customary practices are not diluted due to embracing of new religion.

While clarifying that the Government do not have any separate policy for the Govindajee Temple Board and Sanamahi Temple, the CM said the former is comparatively wealthy as it has properties preserved or gifted by the erstwhile rulers of Manipur.

Further stating development activities undertaken by Sanamahi Temple Board is from the grant in-aid extended by the Government, Ibobi assured that under basic minimum requirement policy of the Government construction of a guest house and lodging sheds of priests and priestesses of the Board would be considered favourably.

In his address Health Minister L Jayantakumar opined that the annual event of exchanging gifts between the hill and valley people demonstrate indelible relationships amongst various indigenous communities settled in Manipur.

Exchange of gifts between the Chief Minister and former Minister RV Minthing set off the event during which offerings were made to the sacred Sanamahi and martial artistes performed Thang-Ta.

The other highlight of the event was presentation of traditional dances by troupes of various communities.

On the otherhand, the annual Kwak Tanba observance was held at the Ramji Junior High School ground today with Rajkumar Gopalsana Singh of Keishamthong Longjam Leirak gracing the occasion as the Bor Senapati, informed Manipur Pandit Loishang.

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