HERICOUN celebrates 23rd foundation day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 16 2025: The Ethno Heritage Council (HERICOUN) observed its 23rd foundation day at JNMDA auditorium with retired IAS officer RK Nimai as chief guest, HERICOUN president Yumkhaibam Surjitkumar Khuman as functional president, Editors' Guild Manipur president Khogendra Khomdram and WASDEV president RK Tharaksana as guests of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, RK Nimai called upon all the people to preserve and promote every element and site which constitutes the State's heritage.

Saying that a community or Nation's identity is defined by its heritage.

RK Nimai expressed deep concern over the deteriorating condition of Loktak Lake which is a primary heritage site of Manipur.

"Keeping the boundary of Manipur intact is our common desire.

For this, we need to have a well researched plan", he said.

He also stressed the need to study collectively on how to bring a durable solution to the two year old conflict.

Even if different organisations have different ideologies and principles, it is of paramount importance for all the organisations to work collectively when it comes to the common issue of territorial integrity, RK Nimai said.

"The Manipur crisis is largely a result of the absence of a competent leader.

While the authority or leader who must safeguard the law and order has been sitting silently, we are fighting each other", he said.

There were serious lapses on the part of both the Government of India and the State Government.

Had they intervened on time, the crisis could have been averted, he rued.

EGM president and The Sangai Express (Manipuri) Editor Khogendra Khomdram said that newspapers publish reports/new items which support the Government.

Meanwhile, all kinds of malicious propaganda, fake news and personal attacks are being circulated on social media without any restraint.

This is not a healthy sign, Khogendra said.

It was rather disappointing that Thabal Chongba was organised on the solemn occasion of Khongjom Day.

The organisers must be taught well whether the merry-making programme of Thabal Chongba should be organised on Khongjom Day, he said.

He also hailed HERICOUN for felicitating talented painter Konthoujam Michael on its foundation day.

Guru Rewben Mashangva presented a Tangkhul folk song while the artistes of Rhythms of Manipur presented a Langdeng performance.

A quiz competition for students was also held as a part of the function.

Leaders of several CSOs were also felicitated with traditional stoles.

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