CSOs celebrate hills-plains Ningol Chakkouba
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 06 2013: Various civil society organizations of the State celebrated Ningol Chakkouba yesterday with participation of women from different tribes and communities.

National Identity Protection Committee (NIPCO) and United People's Front (UPF) jointly organized the Ningol Chakkouba for women belonging to 17 different tribes and communities of both hills and plains at Keishampat Yumjao Lairembi Community Hall yesterday.

The Chakkouba was attended by Deputy Director of Archives Dr Wahengbam Sushila as Chief Guest and President of NIPCO Sunil Karam as President, while former Minister RV Mingthing, editor of the Freedom RK Ranendrajit, Secretary of Indigenous Minorities Organization Rang Engson, President of Kuki Women's Union Manipur Rose Mangshi Haokip and President of Kabui Mothers' Association Kakomlunglu Kamei attended as Guests of Honour.

CSOs celebrate hills-plains Ningol Chakkouba

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sushila said that as per the available archival records Ningol Chakkouba has been celebrated annually since the time of King Chandrakriti to build up a bond of love between brothers and sisters.

The festival was also celebrated even during the reign of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba.

This age-old festival is now the biggest festival of not only Meetei community but also for other communities and tribes living in the State, she noted.

President of NIPCO Sunil Karam maintained that Ningol Chakkouba is not a festival to indulge excessively in gifts.

The festival revives the filial affection and strengthens the bond of love between brothers and sisters.

This festival should be celebrated to bring peace and harmony among different communities of the state, he added.

The women from different tribes and communities were also presented gifts with a grand feast.

Meanwhile, All Manipur Anti-Drugs Association (AMADA) also celebrated the Ningol Chakkouba under the theme "Let us join hands together to fight drug abuse with new hope, love and trust" at its head-office at Keishampat here today.

The occasion was attended by Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai as Chief Guest and President of AMADA head-office M Padmini Leima as President while Superintendent of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Regional Unit, Imphal RK Ibungosana and Editor of Hueiyen Lanpao (Meetei Mayek Edition) M Shivdutta Luwang as Guests of Honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Social Welfare Minister Mirabai said that Ningol Chakkouba is a festival that brings not only love between brothers and sisters but also peace and harmony among different communities of the State.

She also lauded AMADA for its strict campaign to end drug abuse and promote health for all in the State.

Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam at Ningol Chakkouba

All Manipur Ethnical Socio-Cultural Organization (AMESCO) in collaboration with Nungsai Chiru Welfare Organization organized its 20th Ningol Chakkouba at Nungsai Chiru in Senapati district yesterday.

Manipur Baptist Church (MBC) also hosted a Chakkouba for the Ningols from the hills who are married to plain-men.

The event was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam among other dignitaries.

United Club Association Satang Area also organized Ningol Chakkouba yesterday at Utonglok Community Hall along with hosting a grand feast participated by hill and valley people.