Our Correspondent
Imphal, Oct. 5 (EMN): Showcasing oneness and brotherhood among the people of different ethnic communities, to promote solidarity and integrity among different ethnic communities in Manipur, Mera Houchongba festival was celebrated in a grand way at the historic Kangla Fort on Thursday.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh today called for solidarity among hill and valley people, saying development of the state would depend on peaceful coexistence of different communities. “Manipur cannot be Manipur when the people of hills and valley are not together. We must build peace and solidarity between hill and the valley, “Singh said.
Speaking at ‘Mera Houchongba’ -- celebrated to foster and promote peace and solidarity among various communities of Manipur, he regretted that efforts were being made to divide the state on ethnic lines by antisocial elements, which the people must not allow to happen.
Performing age-old rituals, exchange of gifts and presentation of colourful cultural items of different communities were the main highlights of the celebration.
Mentioning the importance of Mera Houchongba festival towards strengthening hill-valley unity, the Chief Minister hailed titular king Meidingu Leishemba Sanajaoba for his efforts of keeping up the tradition of celebrating the festival every year.
Acknowledging the significance of Mera Houchongba, the new Government had decided to celebrate the festival in a grand way under its aegis from this year, he added.
Stating that there has been considerable improvement in hill-valley ties ever since the new Government was formed in the State, the Chief Minister said that he was moved by the kind gesture and fine hospitality shown to him and his Minister during reception ceremonies held at Ukhrul, Kangpokpi, Senapati and Churachandpur.
Maintaining that no development is meaningful if the needy people of hill and interior areas are uplifted and empowered, Biren Singh said that he is planning to visit Tamenglong district by road soon to look into the inadequacies of the district and review various development works.
He assured that people would witness considerable developmental changes both in hill and valley districts within 2 or 3 years. He said that his Government had decided to revamp all the major roads across the State on mission mode soon after rainy season. Biren further said that a WhatsApp Group comprising PWD engineers, SOs, contractors and himself as its members had been formed to expedite developmental works.
In order to complete the projects within stipulated time, he had even instructed the Works Minister to increase the working hour of officials from 8 hours to 14 hours with overtime allowance if necessary, Biren informed.
In his speech minister Jayantakumar said that the State level Mera Houchongba celebration had been incepted from this year under the supervision of Chief Minister Biren Singh.
Earlier in the morning, a large number of people from different hill and valley districts gathered at the Royal Palace and took out a colourful procession up to Kangla as part of the celebration.
