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Our Correspondent
Imphal, Nov. 24 (EMN): Amidst cultural fervour and musical extravaganza, the 3-day Churachandpur edition of the Manipur Sangai Festival (MSF) 2022 was inaugurated at the picturesque Geljang Resort near Churachandpur district headquarters, 70 km south of Imphal.
Inaugurating the colourful event, Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh called upon all concerned to let go of past grudges and bitterness and move forward to usher in a new era with a new mind-set.
Minister (Textile, Commerce and Industries) Nemcha Kipgen, MP Rajya Sabha Maharaj Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLAs Vungzagin Valte , Leishyo Keishing, Md Abdul Nasir, Dr. Y Radheshyam, LM Khaute, Paolienlal Haokip, Ngursanglur Sanate, Th Shanti and officials attended the inaugural function.
“We must forgive and forget the past with the celebration of this festival of oneness,” he said, adding that the theme encompasses equal development, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence of all.
‘Many leaders had the dream of achieving unity and oneness of the diverse communities of the state and the country like different flowers blooming in one garden. That dream has now been realised with the cooperation of the public. To see this reality makes me emotional,’ he said.
‘Manipur is constituted by diverse people and as such development should not concentrate in a particular area. With this commitment, the Government is working for equitable development,’ he said.
In the day’s inaugural event, the Young Mizo Association cultural troupe mesmerised the gathering with their bamboo dance performance while the Huyen Lalon Thang-Ta Cultural Association enthralled with their agile performance.
Later in the day, Biren Singh flew to Behiang, a border village to attend the festival at the newly constructed amphitheatre of Manipur Southern Cultural Centre (MSCC).
Addressing the gathering there, Biren Singh expressed the government’s plan to develop Behiang as the second border hub after Moreh. He also mentioned that the MSCC will be developed in such a manner that it is capable of hosting a big function and a North East Council-funded guest house is also coming up soon.