Imphal, February 15: The Naga seed sowing festival of Lui-Ngai-Ni was held amid cultural extravaganza at Senapati district headquarters today with �Towards a Common Destiny� as the theme of this year�s celebration.

Inaugurating the celebration, chief guest Governor Dr Shivinder Singh Sidhu called upon the people to strive for restoring peace and tranquility so that Manipur can join the global race of development and prosperity.

Highlighting on the various problems besetting the Manipuri society with particular reference to the intermittent killing and communal acrimonies, the Governor stressed on eradicating all social evils to usher in an era of swift progress and prosperity.

Stating that Lui-Ngai-Ni festival occupies a unique position not only among the Nagas of Manipur but also amongst all the people belonging to various communities as the celebration signifies peace, harmony and humanism, the chief guest expressed confidence that the festival would strengthen the ideals of oneness.

Observing that Manipur is passing through a very difficult phase with a plethora of problems on various fronts that have dealt a blow on the overall development of the place, the Governor called upon the masses to take initiatives in catapulting the State into a �higher orbit of development�.

Firmly stating that shortcomings of the past have to be made up, Dr Sidhu also reiterated that the wheels of development can move faster only when there is peace in the society for which settling and setting aside petty differences is a major in the society for which sinking and setting aside petty differences is a major ingredient for ensuring peace and prosperity.

Taking note of the Senapati district headquarters� public ground becoming focal point of religious, cultural and public congregation of all communities, he also announced donation of Rs one lakh for development of the site capable of catering to the public demand.

Delivering the presidential address, United Naga Council president Puni Modoli observed that destinies of Nagas settled in Manipur and those inhabiting at other North Eastern region States may vary but there is no doubt a unified struggle is the crux in attaining the cherished common goal.

All the Naga brethren need to work under a single banner, narrow down conflicting illusions and strive to reach the common destiny with reconciliatory approach, said the UNC leader in his address as the functional president.

Hills Area Committee Chairman S Songchinkhup, Education Minister Francis Ngajokpa and MLAs BD Behring, DK Korungthang, RK Theko, Z Mangaibou and Samuel Jendai besides representatives of ANSAM, NPO, CNPO and NSF graced the occasion as guests of honour.

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