Imphal, (DIPR): Chief Minister N. Biren Singh attended the Manipur Indigenous People’s Cultural Exchange Festival under the theme ‘Manipur United by Diversity’ held at Chadong, Kamjong district today. The two-day-long festival is being organised by Indigenous People’s Forum, Manipur under the aegis of the Tourism Department, Government of Manipur.
Addressing the gathering on the historic moment of culture exchange, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh stated that it is a crucial moment for all the Indigenous communities, who had been living together since time immemorial. Stating that Manipur belongs to the indigenous people, the Chief Minister continued, our forefathers had been defending our land using swords and spears. The government is committed to protecting and safeguarding the indigenous population at all costs, he added.
Raising concern that our indigenous population seem to forget that our forefathers had defended our motherland for more than 2000 years, N. Biren mentioned that his government had introduced the Go to Hills Mission to start research on the history of our forefathers and to find the sites of historical significance. As such, the State Government started preservation and restoration work of places of historical importance, he added, mentioning the construction of Makhel Heritage Park in Senapati District with a cost of around Rs. 6 crores.
The Chief Minister appreciated the Indigenous People’s Forum for organizing the much-necessary cultural exchange festival, adding that the time had come for the Indigenous populations to know who we are and those vested interest groups who are trying to disintegrate the State. He appealed to the public to study Government records and data on population, geography and demographic imbalance so that we could move in the right direction to save the indigenous population. He further maintained that the Government had been working hard for the welfare of our present and future generations. War on Drugs will be continued to save and protect the youth of the State, he added. He also appreciated Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, CAPFs, CSOs and volunteers for destroying poppy plantations in the State.
N. Biren stated that the construction of the dam had created livelihood for many such as fishing activities and made the place a tourist destination with its scenic beauty. He further appreciated the villagers of Chadong for sacrificing their original homeland for the larger benefit of the State.
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As a part of the program, the Chief Minister led others in unveiling the “Monuments of Ages.” He also visited the stalls opened in connection to the festival.
The program began with a welcoming song performed by the local village women and followed by various cultural dances and folk songs performed by various tribes of Manipur.
The cultural festival was attended by Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam, CAF and PD Minister Leishangthem Susindro Meitei, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister Kashim Vashum, Chairperson Manipur Building and Other Construction Board K. Sarat Kumar, Head man of Chadong village Wungnaoyo Kasar, Secretary (Tourism) Naorem Praveen Singh, Tourism Department Director W. Ibohal Singh, Apunba Ima Keithel Lup, high-ranking police officials and villagers among others.
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