Governor urges not to resort to violence

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, November 1, 2019: Manipur Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla has urged the people of Manipur not to resort to violence and to ensure that differences are settled through talks and negotiations.

She said people should restrain from violence including bandhs and blockades as it severely impacts the poorer section of the society.

The governor was addressing at the state level Kut celebration at 1st Manipur Rifles ground here on Friday.

She said Kut festival is a festival of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest and one of the most important festivals not only for the Kuki Mizo Chin groups but of the entire state. The festival is celebrated in Manipur every year on November 1. Manipur is always bustling with the cycle of numerous festivals. The festivals of Manipur project their cultural, social and religious aspirations. These festivals are perfect for removing the monotony of life and help the people lead a fuller and better life.

She stated that the Kut festival is one of the greatest festivals in Manipur and an autumn festival of the different tribes of Kuki Chin Mizo groups of people in Manipur. The festival has been variously described at different places amongst different tribes as Chavang Kut or Khodou. The festival is a thanksgiving festival which includes songs and dances along with merry making. The festival is observed every year in the honor of the giver of an abundant harvest.

Kuki Mizo Chin groups have their own unique and distinct cultural heritage and this is reflected in their various festivals. Kut is one such festival held during autumn and this festival provides an opportunity to introspect on our past and plan for the future. This festival is now participated in not only by the Kuki Mizo Chin groups but by other communities also thereby strengthening the bonds of friendship and is a harbinger of peace, harmony and progress, she added.

She was hopeful that the celebration of “Kut” this year will not only help in promoting collective identity of our Kuki Mizo Chin brethren but will spread the message of peace, love, communal harmony, friendship and brotherhood amongst the different communities in the north east and especially in Manipur.

With increase in population, pressure on land is bound to increase thereby creating new conflicts. We have seen this in the past not only in Manipur but elsewhere also and this will rear its ugly head in the future also, the governor said.

She urged to cast aside self centered egos and policies of the various ethnic groups and work for the overall welfare of the state. “Emotional integration cannot be achieved in a single day but a start needs to be made so that we can build on it. Let this traditional festival spread the message of peaceful co existence for a better Manipur,” she said.

As the governor arrived at the festival venue, pounding of traditional gong was followed by release of Kut Souvenir, 2019. ‘Kut Pa 2018’ Haukhothang Baite, former MDC, former president, BNC was honoured with a presentation of memento and a shawl by State Level Kut Committee chairman, Vungzagin Valte MLA and chairman (MTDC) and secretary, Paotinmang Doungel, IPS, ADGP.

Cultural dance were performed by various cultural troupe.

The noon session was attended by agriculture veterinary and animal husbandry minister V. Hangkhanlian, MLA and chairman (HAC) T.T. Haokip, MLA T.N. Haokip, DGP among others.