Imphal, October 30 2008: MANIPUR GOVERNOR Gurbachan Jagat, Chief Minister O Ibobi, two MPs, MLAs, political parties and many others have extended heartiest greetings to the people of Manipur on the the occasions of Ningol Chakkouba and Kut festivals which fall tomorrow and day after tomorrow.

In his message of Ningol Chakkouba greetings, the Governor stated that the festival revives the family ties and affection between brothers and sisters, fathers and daughters and mothers and daughters which ultimately help in the promotion of strong family ties and mutual understanding, love, peace and harmony amongst all the peole of the state.

In his message of Kut, the Governor stated that "the Kut festival symbolises gratitude, compassion and gaiety.

It provides a plateform to people cutting across the barriers of caste, creed and religion to make a sincere introspection of their own thoughts and values".

"Let the Kut 2008 spread the message of peace, harmony, brotherhood, compassion and forgiveness and usher in peaceful co-existence in Manipur," the message stated.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, in his message of Ningo Chakkouba, stated that though the festival is originally observed by the Meitei community, the celebration now extends to other communities and tribes in Manipur thereby reinforcing unity amidst diversity in the state.

The festival promotes the feelings of peaceful co-existence and harmonious social life by reaffirming our fate in the traditional values of love and protection.

In another message of Kut , the Chief Minister stated that the post harvest festival of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups is an occasion of thanks giving to God for the bountiful harvest.

"The spirit of Kut is all about sharing, understanding, harmonious coexistence, cooperation and merriment," the message stated.

He hoped, the Kut festival would not only be a binding force to keep the people of Manipur closer but a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo people.

The best way to celebrate festivals like Kut is to strive for building a harmonious society and work for strengthening the bond of amity.

May Kut festival bring peace, prosperity and unity in the state, Chief Minister Ibobi stated.

Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing and Inner Manipur MP Dr T Meinya have greeted the people of Manipur on the occasions of Ningol Chakkouba and Kut festivals.

Both MPs hoped that the festivals would strengthen the bond of brotherhood and coexistence amongst the communities.

President of Manipur People's Party Dr L Chandramani conveyed his heartiest greetings to the people of Manipur on the occasions of Ningol Chakkouba and Kut.

GOC 3 Corps, Lt Gen Rakesh Kumar Loomba also extended his warm greetings to the people of Manipur on the occasions of Ningol Chakkouba and Chavang Kut.

In a message, the GOC expressed,"let the festival (Chavang Kut) usher a new era of reconciliation, peace and harmony in Manipur".

GOC 57 Red Shield Division, Major General Shakti Gurung also extended his best wishes to the people on the occasions of Ningol Chakkouba and Chavang Kut festivals.

He appealed to the people to abjure violence.

The Nationalist Congress Party and the Rashtriya Janata Dal also conveyed their warm greetings and wishes to the people in connection with the two festivals.

The bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Manipur Pradesh has conveyed its greetings to the people of Kuki-Chin-Mizo tribes on the occasion of the Kut festival on November.

Let the festival play an important role in making the Kuki-Chin-Mizo brethren settled in Manipur and elsewhere to live in peace and love with each other to build a united Manipur, a press release issued by the media-in-charge, BJP Manipur Pradesh, K.Surchand wished.

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