Chief Minister of Manipur, Nongthongbam Biren Singh on Thursday was one among the thousands who took part with enthusiastic fervour in celebrating ‘Mera Houchongba, a traditional festival celebrated since time immemorial, which symbolises brotherhood and unity among the various indigenous people settled in both hill and valley of State.
The festival, for the Chief Minister himself assumes significance considering the fact that he has been going all out to bridge the gap, perceived or real, between the valley and the hills during his short tenure so far at the helms. Holding Cabinet meeting at Churachandpur town, one of the hill district headquarters, setting aside a day each month to listen to the problems of the people from the hills are some of the significant steps towards this direction.
The festival is traditionally held at Royal Palace (Sana Koung), Imphal with titular King of Manipur, leishemba Sanajaoba as the main host. However, for the first time Manipur Government and Royal Council of Manipur King jointly organised the Mera Houchongba festival under the name of State level Mera Huchongba Committee.
The celebration began with a cultural procession from Sana Konung (Royal Palace) to Kangla Fort in the morning, which was later attended in the afternoon by the titular King leishemba Sanajaoba, Chief Minister, his Ministerial colleagues and hundreds of village chiefs belonging to different communities of the State.
Exchange of gifts such as traditional fabrics, vegetables and fruits among the hill and valley people, cultural dances marked the festival.
Apart from the titular King, Chief Minister, his Ministerial colleagues and all elected representatives village chiefs including of Hundung (Tangkhul), Maram, Poumai, Maring, Kabui, liangmei, Tarao, Chiru, Kom, Khongjai, Gangte, Thadou-Kuki from various tribal communities adorned the dais during the festival observance.
Exchange of gifts among Chief Minister N Biren and N Kayishii, Minister of Tribal and Hill Areas Department ( a Mao tribe) and Nemcha Kipgen, Minister of Social Welfare Department ( a Kuki tribe), and among titular King Sanajaob and other village chiefs proved the aged-old love and unity among the various indigenous people of the State.
Speaking at the gathering, Chief Minister N Biren Singh appealed to the people of the State to pledge for unity and said respect, trust and sacrifice could protect the integrity of Manipur. He also said only forgive and forget can move forward for the development of the State. The Chief Minister also promised that within two or three years Manipur would be one of the most peaceful and developed States, but for that to happen, the Government needs people support.