Organised by State level Organising Committee on Mera Houchongba 2023 where Chief Minister of Manipur N. Biren Singh was the Chief Guest at Kangla this afternoon and spoke on the uniqueness and importance of Mera Houchongba.

He said recognising that there is no other event that celebrates the inextricable and strong bond between the people of the hills and the valley which could unify the people more, the event was turned into a state-level celebration in 2017.

If we don’t protect our land, and preserve our own culture and traditions, no one will come to protect and preserve them, echoed Chief Minister N Biren Singh, stressing the significance of observing cultural events like Mera Houchongba.

Biren stressed upon the present situation and said it is very unfortunate, and added that for the government it is an obligation to protect and guard the indigenous communities residing together in the State.

Further stressing the steps taken up by the government to strengthen ties between the hills and valley, the Chief Minister said that schemes, like Go to Hills and Go to Village, were launched to understand and act upon the requirements of the people from the interior parts of the State. He added that the State government had produced a white paper on the allocation of budgets for the hills in 2021-22.

Further explaining the need to show politeness and courtesy in behaviour or speech towards each other to strengthen the bond between people, the Chief Minister said today the people have largely realised that we cannot live separately.

The Chief Minister also explained the ecological imbalance that is affecting the environment. He stressed that the government wants to preserve and protect the Reserved Forest areas and stated that the government is not trying to evict the people from their villages.

N. Biren Singh concluded with a prayer for the Mera Houchongba to bring peace to the State and for all communities to live together in peace.

As part of the observation, the Chief Minister also released a souvenir. Other highlights include performances by various cultural and traditional troupes from different communities. Gifts were also exchanged, signifying the bond of brotherhood between the different communities of the State. Chief Minister N Biren Singh exchanged gifts with K Gongrisim, Ningthou Thangal Surung.

DK Mothilphun Maring, 81, Chief of Konaltong Village, Tengnoupal District received the Khongleihanba AS Wungnaioyo Zimik Mera Houchongba Award, 2023.

The Mera Houchongba 2023 at Kangla was attended by Ministers, MLAs, and officials of the state along with village chiefs, village authorities, cultural experts, and others.

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