IMPHAL, December 24: The Governor of Manipur, Dr. KK Paul has conveyed his heartiest greetings to the people of Manipur and particularly to the Christian brethren on the joyous and auspicious occasion of Christmas.
According to a release of the Governor`™s secretariat, Dr. Paul said Christmas celebrates the birth of Lord Jesus Christ and it is the most important festival in the life of a Christian anywhere in the world. The Lord was born to save mankind from sin and the festival is now celebrated by more people cutting across caste, creed or religion.
He was the apostle of peace who preached forgiveness, compassion and love and sacrificed His life for the good for mankind, it said.
The Governor wish the people to remember the sacrifice made by the Lord for the sins of mankind and follow His principles so that peace and harmony prevail the world. He once again wished the people of Manipur a very Merry Christmas, it said.
In a separate message, the Chief Minister of Manipur, O. Ibobi Singh greeted the people of Manipur and especially the Christian brethrens on the joyous occasion of Christmas, the birthday of Lord Jesus Christ.
In a release of the CM`™s secretariat, the CM said Christmas is the time for recommitment of each life to the finest ideals and to remind the profound message of the Lord to promote peace, unity and harmony in the society and amongst one another.
The Chief Minister wished the people to rededicate them on the occasion of the festival to imbibe the life and teachings of Christ for the welfare of humankind. He also prayed that the spirit of Christmas fill the lives of the people with peace, love and prosperity, it said.
Meanwhile the chairman of Hill Areas Committee, Manipur Legislative Assembly has conveyed his warmest greetings to all the citizens of Manipur on the occasion of Christmas.
According to a release of the Chairman, he prayed that the festival bring love, peace, communal harmony, cohesion and unity among the people of the state of Manipur, it said.
The Ethno Heritage Council (HERICOUN) has also conveyed greetings on the occasion of Christmas to the Christian brethrens of the state.
According to a release of HERICOUN, with the coming of Christmas, HERICOUN wishes for peace between all caste, creeds and religions and to live in unity. It also wished that the festival is held in the state peacefully and appeal to all the people in the state irrespective of their religion to take part in the celebration. HERICOUN once again wish for a joyous Christmas to all, it said.
A press release of the United Committee Manipur (UCM) has also conveyed greetings and good wishes on the joyous occasion of Christmas to the Christians of Manipur.
UCM has prayed for unity between the various castes and creeds receding in the state. It also wished for unity and prayed for protection of integrity of the state. The committee also appealed that no bandhs or blockades must be imposed during the celebration of the festival. UCM once again wished for a Merry Christmas to the people of Manipur, it said.
Major General Rajeev Chopra, IGAR (South) and All Ranks of Assam Rifles also extended warm greeting and sincere goodwill to the people of Manipur on the occasion of Christmas.
According to a release of the PRO, IGAR (South) has said that Christmas is a time of great joy, cheer, hope and happiness. It proclaims Lord Jesus Christ`™s message of love, sacrifice and forgiveness, compassion and service, courage and humility, peace and harmony. Assam Rifles also prayed to the Almighty to keep a benevolent eye on the people of Manipur to bring peace, prosperity and tranquillity in the days ahead, it said.
Meanwhile, the United Naga Council (UNC) has extending its greetings wishing the people of Manipur a joyous Christmas, 2014.
In a statement it said `Let all observed the birth day of Lord Jesus Christ on 25th December with prayer in true spirit of humanity as being taught by Him`.
The UNC further wishes Happy New Year, 2015 to each and every individual adding that the coming be peaceful, successful and prosperous year. May the Almighty bless all with good health to enjoy the bliss of life, bestow upon all, it said.
The NSCN-K Zeliangrong region also has extended its warm greetings to the people of Manipur on occasion of Christmas and wished for a prosperous New Year, 2015. In statement the outfit stated that `Birth of Christ`™ usher the message of peace and prosperity in the region.
It further prayed that the Christmas`™s healing touch shall put to an end to the conspiracy, killings and sorrows thereby bringing peace and consolidation amongst the people.