Mail News Service
Imphal, Jan 23: “Let’s not forget that we are all Manipuris”, the Chief Minister of Manipur O. Ibobi Singh reminded the people of the state today.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the Tribal Research Institute (TRI) Complex today while inaugurating the 2n State Level Tribal Cultural Festival organized by TRI and sponsored jointly by Government of Manipur and Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India under the theme “Our Culture, Our Identity”.
Manipur is multi-lingual, multi-ethnic and multi-religious state with more than 35 tribal communities living together in peace and harmony with other communities since time immemorial, the Chief Minister said. All these tribes having inherent distinct cultural and customs and usages constitute the proud Manipuris to the outside world, he added.
The Chief Minister further said that the TRI has been established to undertake research on the various tribal customs, put them into written forms for preservation of the age old tribal customs, traditions and practices which have been almost forgotten due to the advent of modern civilization and influence of Christianity. He assured for strengthening
manpower and develops necessary infrastructures of the TRI.
The Chief Minister appealed for peaceful co-existence of all communities in the state for a more prosperous and developed Manipur.
The inauguration of the three day long festival was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam as Functional President, IFCD Minister Ngamthang Haokip as Guest of Honour, Tribal MLAs and ADC Chairmen and Members as Special Invitees.
Presentation of cultural dances and folk songs, special numbers from various tribal communities were the main highlights of the inaugural function of the festival.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/we-are-all-one-cm/
