Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, January 11 2009:
CHIEF MINISTER, O Ibobi today mooted the idea of the state hosting a convention of the Manipuri diaspora from Myanmar, Bangladesh and other places with the aim of preserving and promoting Manipuri culture and traditions, and also to build a united Manipur.
Attending the reception function organised in honour of the marchers taking part in the Manipur Levy-2008 from Silchar to Imphal at the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen at Hapta Kangjeibung today, the Chief Minister expressed enthusiasm that the Meeties who are living in Cachar valley of Assam have marched all the way to their place of origin in an attempt to show that we are one.
He suggested holding of a convention of the Manipuris who are settled in parts of Myanmar, Bangladesh and other countries in the state.
The state government would extend all possible helps in organising such a convention, he said and added, such convention could be held once in three years, if it was going to be difficult in organising annually.
Regarding various plans and projects being taken up by the present government to develop memorial sites in honour of the patriots who contributed towards protecting Manipur's integrity, Chief Minister Ibobi further said that the government would allocate Rs 5 crore in the current financial year for developing the memorial tomb of Maharaj Gambhir Singh at Langthabal.
Another equal amount will be allocated in the next financial year.
Besides, the development of Hicham Yaicham Pat and Kangla being taken up by the government is to show the world that Manipur was once an independent and sovereign kingdom, Ibobi said.
Development of the holy place of Manipuri people�Kangla would be completed within next year.
Preparations are being made to install light and music system at Kangla.
Once all development activities at Kangla are over, the government would take up all necessary steps to make the holy place recognised as a world heritage site, Chief Minister Ibobi said.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Ph Parijat, who was the chief guest, chief advisor of the Manipur State Shumang Leela Council, Dr M Nara, who presided over the function and senior citizen RK Ranendrajit, who has been closely associated with organising the Manipuri Levy-2008 march, also spoke at the reception function.
A seminar on 'Performing Arts of Manipur' was also held in connection with the function.
Birjit Ngangomba, Ratan Thiyam and other experts in their own fields spoke at the seminar.
The marchers of Manipur Levy-2008, on their way to Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, were received and welcomed by the members of Manipur Peace and Integrity Council (MAPI Council) and students of Zenith Academy Sangaiprou.
Earlier in the day, as part of the itinerary of the Manipuri diaspora, a public discussion on sports movement in Manipur was held at the indoor stadium, Khuman Lampak under the aegis of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Manipur.
YAS and IFCD Minister N Biren attended the discussion as chief guest, ex-Deputy Director of YAS H Radhcharan Sharma and present Deputy Directorm, YAS, Ch Shantikumar were resource persons.