Imphal, October 28: The age old unity between the hill and plain people was taken to a higher plane during the Mera Hou Chongba festival with the titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba calling out to all the people of different communities to come together as one.

Sticking to tradition and harking back to the days of the past, people from different parts of the State came to the palace and thereafter proceeded to Kangla on foot, where prayers were offered.

After the traditional rounds, the main function of the celebration was held at GM Hall where gift presentations between the people of the hills and the plain was held as per tradition.

Addressing the gathering, Leishemba Sanajaoba said that the time has come for different communities of the State to come together as one without any artificial barriers in between.

It is time for all to strike up a united stand on important issues, he added.

Stressing on the importance of holding such a celebration, Sanajaoba exhorted all to go to the hills and meet their brethens there.

The time is now right for all to go to the hills and share the experience of living in the hills, he said and added that efforts should also be made to ameliorate the suffering of the hill people.

Lack of educational facilities, poor economy and lack of communication facilities in the hill areas is a not new issue, said Sanajaoba and observed that functions and celebrations highlighting the ties between the hill and plain people will serve no purpose if no efforts are made to better the living condition of the hill people.

Developing the requisite infrastructure in the hills is the responsibility of the Govt, he noted.

Stating that development funds meant for the hills have been diverted to other places, Sanajaoba said that such elements responsible for siphoning off the funds meant for the hill people are the enemies of all.

Such practices have done nothing except drive a wedge between the people of the hills and the plain, he added.

Unity is also essential to fight against the atrocities of the security personnel, who have even targeted innocent students, said Sanajaoba and urged all to carry on with the struggle for their rights without giving up.

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