The 37th Northern Maram Students and Youths Organisation biennial sports meet began at Lymsyipou village in Senapati district.
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DIMAPUR — The 37th biennial sports meet of the Northern Maram Students and Youths Organisation (NMYSO) commenced at Lymsyipou (Lairouching) village local ground in Senapati District of Manipur on Saturday on the theme "Fostering unity, upholding culture".
The inaugural function was attended by Kropol Vitsu, MLA and advisor for the Department of Prisons, Printing and Stationery, Nagaland, as chief guest; K Raina, former deputy speaker, Manipur, as guest of honour; and Karaiba Francis as host guest, stated a press release.
In his address, Vitsu urged the gathering to be steadfast in strengthening the relationship between the Southern Angami People's Organisation (SAPO) and the Northern Maram People's Organisation (NMPO).
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Reflecting on historical ties between Viswema and Maram Khullen, he said Maram Khullen was once the biggest village in Manipur and Viswema the biggest in Nagaland. He noted that Angami people refer to Maram as "Mahe-me", while Maram people call Angami "N'gamai".
He narrated that, during earlier trading relations with the Manipuri people, Viswema villagers often passed through the Maram area, fostering close ties between the two communities. He recounted that in the late 1830s, when battles occurred between the Manipuri Raja and Viswema, Maram villagers would alert Viswema about troop movements and join in their defence, creating a bond of trust and understanding.
He highlighted that Viswema still has a place called Makri Riba (Manipuri Raja War Place), remembered in elders' narratives.
Vitsu said this relationship laid a foundation that, according to the forefathers, would endure "till the end of heaven and earth". He recalled that in 1926 a brotherhood accord was signed between Maram Khullen and Viswema and has since been maintained through meetings and initiatives. He mentioned that the SAPO and Maram Khullen brotherhood celebration was held at Jakhama on November 24, 2024, and added that 2026 would mark the centenary of the accord.
He further observed that all 10 tribes are working cohesively under the Tenyimi People's Organisation (TPO) and urged respect for its decisions.
On sports, he described football as a universal game, praised Manipur for its achievements, including three medals at the last Olympic Games, and concluded by quoting that in sports, "it is not the size of a player but the size of the heart that matters the most".
The guest of honour recalled that soldiers of the Manipuri Maharaja once passed through the same hills and ranges of the host village on their way to Viswema, with Maram people defending Viswema at the time. Host guest Karaiba Francis also extended a message of solidarity.
The sports meet will conclude on October 5 with Dr. Immanuel K Muivah, ADG, Manipur Police, as chief guest; K Kuba Peter, president, NPO; and Col. Sandeep Sharma, commandant, 16 AR, Maram, as special guests at the valedictory function.