Kut unites Manipur, says CM

IMPHAL | Nov 1

Chief Minister N Biren Singh said Kut festival is playing a pivotal role in building oneness and harmony in the state with diversity in language, religion, costumes and rituals.

Speaking as chief guest at the evening session of the state level Kut celebration at 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles parade ground on Wednesday, Singh said Kut has now become an important festival for the whole country and it is being taken up by people of different communities.

The chief minister said Kut had been celebrated since olden days in every village but seemed to have witnessed a decline with the advent of Christianity in Manipur at the end of the 19th century.

The festival however has regained its glory and it is a matter of pride that Kut is now celebrated not only in different parts of the country but also in many foreign countries where Kuki-Chin-Mizo people are settled, he said.

Speaking at the event, public works and IPR minister Th Biswajit said Kut is an effective instrument of socialising across the community boundaries.

Water resources minister Letpao Haokip said the festival occupies a special place not only among Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups but all the communities of Manipur.

“Let us all pledge to promote peaceful coexistence and harmony and work together for the prosperity of the state”, Haokip said.

Health minister L Jayantakumar, TD and hills minister N Kayisii, social welfare minister Nemcha Kipgen and Rajya Sabha member MC Mary Kom were also present at the celebration, which hosted musical presentations and the Miss Kut beauty pageant.