Imphal, November 11: Governor Dr SS Sidhu and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh have conveyed their heartiest greetings to the people of Manipur on the auspicious occasion of Ningol Chakkouba festival.

In his message, Dr Sidhu said the festival is a revival and reminder of family ties and affection between brothers and sisters, fathers and daughters and mothers and daughters.

'I trust that the festival will be celebrated in its true spirit and not in the sense of 'Dakshina Lamjel', the Governor said.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said although Ningol Chakkouba is a social and traditional festival of the Meiteis where women are invited to a feast at their parental houses, it is indeed a pleasure to know that the celebration of the festival now extends to several communities and tribes in Manipur, thereby enforcing unity amidst diversity in the State.

Let Ningol Chakkouba bring the message of friendship and forgiveness among the people of Manipur, he wished.

Extending her best wishes to all the people of Manipur, particularly the Ningols on the auspicious occasion, ex-MP Kim Gangte said the festival will surely usher in fresh ideas and strength to promote closer emotional integration.

"On this day, we should also remember our progenitors who have left us such wonderful and beautiful culture to the future generations.

The binding force of our culture and tradition will unite us together and awaken us once again to fill with a sense of achievement and provide an ideal and constructive future for every sons and daughters of this land, the ex-MP said.

Major General BK Chenggapa, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South), and all ranks of AR have also extended warm greetings to the people on Manipur on the auspicious occasion of Ningol Chakkouba.

The IGAR (S) wished the festival herald an era of peace, progress and prosperity in the region and enhance the spirit of unity, cohesiveness and brotherhood amongst warm and friendly people of the State, PRO Assam Rifles conveyed in a statement.

The Kuki Women's Union, Manipur has also extended its Ningol Chakkouba greetings to all the people of Manipur.

In a statement, Union president Rose Mangshi Haokip said Kuki women also share the happy occasion with the Ningols of the Meitei community in the State.

Stating that no one in Manipur can forget Sharmila who has been fasting for the cause of removal of AFSPA from Manipur on the occasion of Ningol Chakkouba festival, all the members of All Manipur Ethnical Socio-Cultural Organisation (AMESCO) will present simple gifts to her, information and publicity secretary of AMESCO BK Moirangcha said in a statement.

Lok Janshakti Party, Manipur State and its women wing, Mahila Lok Janshakti Party, Manipur State have also conveyed Ningol Chakkouba greetings to the people of Manipur.

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