IMPHAL, June 30: The Tribal Peace and Harmony Award Distribution ceremony was held today at the Manipur Film Development Corporation auditorium, Konung Mamang.
The distribution ceremony was organised by Tribal Peace and Harmony Award Committee 2013-2014 under the aegis of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India and Tribal Research Institute, Manipur.
The instituted awards will occupy an annual event in the TRI calendar to encourage both the young and old alike to be torch bearers and messenger of peace.
Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh attended the function as the chief guest while deputy Chief Minister, Gaikhangam presided over the function.
Speaking at the function, the State Chief Minister said that peace and harmony acts as the main cornerstone of progress in any society.
The institution of the award by taking cognizance of the sacrifices of noble people in safeguarding the lives of their fellow citizens at the height of communal discord is commendable, the Chief Minister observed.
He wished for the award to encourage similar initiatives and actions from the people of the State in the years to come and help in strengthening the harmonious co-existence of the different communities.
In appreciation and acknowledgement of the noble endeavour and achievement towards a peaceful and harmonious co-existence between communities, the award was conferred to K Matia, pastor Mozhu Prayer Centre Senapati, Manipur, for her initiative and achievement in securing the release of a mother-daughter duo from captivity of underground elements during the Naga-Kuki conflict, (Late) Henkholen Sitlhou, founder principal, Presidency College, Motbung, Sardar Hills, Senapati for bringing tribal awareness through education and peace initiative and rescue of a Naga girl student from underground elements abducted from the college campus during the Kuki-Naga Conflict and Reverend S K Hokey, former general secretary, Manipur Baptist Convention for peace initiation through organising joint prayer meetings at different places where the warring ethnic communities live side by side.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/07/peace-and-harmony-cornerstones-of-progress-chief-minister/