IMPHAL, November 18: The different communities have been residing together peacefully in Manipur since time immemorial while preserving their own separate culture and traditions and will continue to do so, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said today while inaugurating the 4th State Level Tribal Cultural Festival under the theme “Tribal Culture for National Integration.”
The two day festival is being held at the Tribal Research Institute, Chingmeirong under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and co-sponsored by the Tribal Research Institute, government of Manipur.
The Chief Minister said a proper research on the culture of the different communities will only promote and encourage the feeling of belongingness to the State and a sense of brotherhood among the different communities.
Proper research on the cultures of the individual communities will open up about the close relationship shared by the indigenous people in the past and improve the relation, he said.
Elaborating further that the main objective of establishing the TRI was to undertake proper research of the tribal customs, traditions and culture, the Chief Minister said Manipur is a multi-ethnic State with the communities existing peacefully since time immemorial.
The Manipur government will provide all possible help for the development of the TRI to improve its infrastructure, equipment and main power, he said.
Either only the people of hills or valley should not claim Manipur as their own because everyone has equal rights, he added.
Due to some geographical differences, there is still lack of equal development in the State; however, the government will certainly bring equal development in the State, he assured.
The Chief Minister further urged all to preserve the trees in both the hills and the valley as trees will balance the eco-system.
He said if we have to cut down a tree than we need to plant a sapling as its replacement.
The people of the valley should also protect and preserve its lakes, rivers and other water bodies, he said.
Major highlights of the first day of the function were tribal cultural shows and the 12 stalls from various parts of the State.
During the function, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Phungyar MLA Victor Keishing and other officials attended the inaugural function.