Source: Manipur Mail
Imphal, January 27:
Attractive cultural beats and dance competitions at the local ground of upper Koide in Senapati district marked the conclusion of the five day XIX session of the Poumai Naga Catholicmai Me (PNCM) general on January 25 evening.
The cultural dance competition was graced by opposition MLA Samuel Jendai as the chief guest while the local MLA PS Henry Paotei presided over the colourful gathering.
Public leader of the Poumai community Adani Dominic and many other prominent religious leaders also attended the concluding part cum cultural dance competition.
Speaking on the occasion former tribal welfare minister Samuel Jendai exhorted the gathering to have 'desirable' thoughts and ideas in bringing oneness as well as peace of mind among the Poumai Naga community and other neighboring communities settling in this tiny border state.
Local MLA Henry Paotei encouraging the Poumai community for their restless effort in making their way to get the status of schedule tribe list of the country, called upon to work together positively in the future course of their life span in the name of god to have a meaningful and spiritual life.
Poumai tribes had celebrated their tribe recognition day on April 11 last year at Purul, 120 km north of Imphal is one of the biggest Poumai pocket in Senapati district.
Almost all the Poumai Catholics, from three Poumai circles Lepaona, Paomata and Chilivai representing 33 churches spreading across in the 71 Poumai villages in Manipur turned up for the Congress this time as it was held for every two consecutive years since 1974 to show their solidarity to almighty god.
There are around 1.6 lakh Poumai Nagas in Manipur and Nagaland.
The salient feature of the five day long congress include holy mass and ordination ceremony, presentation of special numbers from prominent choirs of the Poumai Catholics, singing competition and oath taking etc.