Imphal: If we don’t protect our land, and preserve our own culture and traditions, no one will come to protect and preserve them, said Chief Minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh, stressing on the significance of observing cultural events like Mera Houchongba.
The Chief Minister was speaking as the chief guest of the state-level Mera Houchongba 2023 observation at Kangla this afternoon.
He said that recognising that there is no other event that celebrates the inextricable and strong bond between the people of the hills and the valley and that could unify the people more, the event was turned into a state-level celebration in 2017.
N Biren Singh further stressed the various steps taken to bring unity in the State and the discussions with historians and cultural experts from different communities. He highlighted that the government, after proper consultation with cultural experts and elders, had removed the Kaabak from the Kangla Shas, closed the Western Gate and opened the Eastern Gate of Kangla.
He also said that the present situation is very unfortunate, and added that for the government it is an obligation to protect and guard the indigenous communities residing together in the State.
Further stressing the steps taken up by the government to strengthen ties between the hills and valley, the Chief Minister said that schemes, like Go to Hills and Go to Village, were launched to understand and act upon the requirements of the people from the interior parts of the State. He added that the State government had produced a white paper on the allocation of budgets for the hills in 2021-22.
Further explaining the need to show politeness and courtesy in behaviour or speech towards each other to strengthen the bond between people, the Chief Minister said today the people have largely realised that we cannot live separately.
The Chief Minister also explained the ecological imbalance that is affecting the environment and stressed that the government wants to only preserve and protect the Reserved Forest areas. He said the government is not trying to evict the people from their villages.
N. Biren Singh concluded with a prayer for the Mera Houchongba to bring peace to the State and for all communities to live together in peace.
The Mera Houchongba 2023 at Kangla was attended by Ministers, Y Khemchand, Konthoujam Govindas, Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh, H Dingo Singh, Th. Basantakumar Singh, Khashim Vashum, MP Rajya Sabha Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLAs, Irengbam Nalini Devi, Leishiyo Keishing, Sapam Kunjakeswor Singh, Lourembam Rameshwor Meetei, Th Shanti, Chief Secretary Dr. Vineet Joshi, village chiefs, village authorities, cultural experts and others.
As part of the observation, the Chief Minister also released a souvenir. Other highlights include performances by various cultural and traditional troupes from different communities. Gifts were also exchanged, signifying the bond of brotherhood between the different communities of the State. Chief Minister Shri N Biren Singh exchanged gifts with Shri K Gongrisim, Ningthou Thangal Surung.
DK Mothilphun Maring, 81, Chief of Konaltong Village, Tengnoupal District received the Khongleihanba AS Wungnaioyo Zimik Mera Houchongba Award, 2023.
