IMPHAL, Nov 15: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Sigh today expressed pride on being a Manipuri citing that although communal tensions are witnessed at various places, it is a still a rare occurrence in Manipur.
Speaking at the noon celebration of the second day function of the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Manipur Baptist Church, the Chief Minister also said India is a democratic country and anyone can practice any religion according to their beliefs, for which we should be proud of being an Indian.
However, we should be more proud of being a Manipuri he said, and elaborated further that although communal tensions are witnessed in various parts of India, it is rarely witnessed in Manipur where several communities live together.
He said God is one, and we should respect all religions.
The Chief Minister said he has often asked himself what people practiced before the coming of Hinduism and the Christianity in Manipur.
Hinduism was introduced in Manipur some 250 years ago, whereas Christianity arrived some 150 years ago, he elaborated.