IMPHAL, December 11: Anything which will benefit the Nagas will also benefit the Meiteis. We can choose friends from any place, but not neighbours and the Meiteis are our neighbour and we want them to also feel the same of c-inhabiting together with love, said Tenyimi Peoples’ Organization president Timikha Koza today inaugurating the three-day long Barak Festival 2015 held at the Senapati Mini Stadium.
The 2nd edition of the festival is being organised under the aegis of the Naga Peoples’ Organisation.
Timikha said it is his message to the people of the valley that Tenyimi consists of 10 tribes who all have only goodwill for the Meiteis and love them.
He also said today we celebrate the Barak River Festival as a tribute to the origin of the river.
He further appealed to the people to make the festival meaningful by making their contribution in conserving the river which has only given benefits to the people along its river bank.
Expressing that the river is in a drastic condition, he said if it ever dries up, the loss will only be of the people.
“So let Barak live,” he gave a clarion call to the people stating that the river is a gift from Mother Nature to Senapati district.
We are all taking benefit from the river before it reaches Assam, he added.
The Tinyimi people are known for our simplicity, honesty and truthfulness, he said, before continuing if the people can see all these qualities in themselves today.
The forest and all the nature’s gifts are our property and we have to preserve it not destroy it, he added.
Let us make our towns green again, let us step up our effort and be not too selfish to enjoy only the benefits from the river, he continued.
Let us spread the message in our villages not to destroy our forest which will not only impact us but the whole globe, he said in his message.
He further appealed to the people of Liyai Circle from where the river originates to preserve the forest and allow the river to flow freely.
NPO president T Kamba Moses said the festival is being organised to spread the message of oneness and to encourage peaceful co-existence and harmony of all.
The five main tribes of the district under NPO have their own identities, culture and tradition and through this festival we have to promote our culture and tradition especially for the younger generation, he said.
He further appealed to all units of the NPO to work for a successful and meaningful Barak Festival.
Traditional houses of the five tribes of Thangal, Zeliangrong, Maram, Mao and Poumai were constructed at the festival venue.