Biren calls for emotional integrity

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, May 26, 2018: Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh has urged his people to discard the notion of belonging to small or big community and put in joint effort to bring development of the state by upholding the sense of oneness.

Biren was speaking at the opening session of the 24^th Khurpui-Lam Festival of Kom tribe held at Chandrakirti Auditorium, Palace Compound in Imphal East District on Saturday.

 People of around 36 communities have been living together harmoniously in the state since time immemorial, and this is the beauty of unity in diversity which people of other states and countries are curious about, he added.

Every community should learn to respect other communities big or small; no community should try to subdue another tribe or community in any manner.

He said the North East region has about 240 different communities speaking 180 different languages. Kom community should be lauded for protecting their culture and identity despite being a small community, he added.

The present government’s ‘Go to Hill’ mission was introduced with the idea of regaining the lost trust and love between the hill people and valley people, he added.

The government is trying to trace the old sacred places, which have connection with the civilization of Manipur. Heritage complexes would be developed at different places like Makhel-Sajouba, Koubru and Anal Khullen, said the chief minister.

He also assured that the government would consider Kom people’s demand for announcing Khurpui-Lam as a state festival and construction of a cultural hall.

Expressing concern over happening of some unwanted incidents which may spread ignite communal tension, the chief minister opined that nobody should play petty politics which may harm people’s lives to gain power.

Social welfare minister Nemcha Kipgen said, “Culture can help us relate with our past, from our present position we can plan for our future. Our past should serve as the stepping stone for the changes needed for a better and brighter future. Only then we can achieve the desired changes required for the survival of our society.”

The minister also urged the people to shed hatred, nepotism and self-centred ego and pride, so as to march in unity towards a better and brighter tomorrow. She also expressed hope that the festival would promote peace and harmony in the state and also bring positive changes and transformation in the society.