Imphal, April 03: Expressing serious concern over the growing distrust among the various communities living in Manipur in the past few years, social worker Holkhothang Gangte has categorically stated that the contentious issue of formation of Greater Nagaland would not have come about if the ongoing efforts of instilling the idea of unity and brotherhood between the hill and the valley people had started some 20 / 30 years back.

Speaking during the 'Sajibu Khudol Tamba Egee Khongul Liba' programme organised jointly by All Manipur Ethnical Socio-Cultural Organisation, All Thoubal District United Clubs Organisation and Khunai Kanba Meira Paibi Apunba Lup at the Sugnu Community Hall today, Holkhothang maintained that all the ethnic groups in Manipur since time immemorial are brothers and sisters.

He said the present State of Manipur is not made up by the people living in the valley nor by those living in the hills alone.

However, the growing distrust between the hill and valley people being witnessed over the last few years is really unfortunate.

Such a situation would not have come about if efforts had been made for instilling the feeling of brotherhood and oneness among the people some 20 to 30 years back, he said, and added if this had happened there would be no communal tension or clashes.

The issue of Greater Nagaland would not have arisen either, he added.

Therefore in order to promote peace and harmony among the people, it is essential to facilitate frequent interaction among the people and share each others' problems in the years to come, he remarked.

Commenting on the essence of the programme of Sajibu Khudol Tamba Egee Khongul Liba, Holkhothang suggested that such programmes should also be held in the far flung corners of the State instead of just concentrating in areas which are not so remote.

VS Johnson, who also spoke at the occasion noted that there is a close relationship between the concept of development and dispelling of communal feeling among the people.

If we want all the people to live in harmony, then there should be equal development, he explained.

AMESCO president LS Guite, advisor of Poirei Leimarol Ibechoubi, president of All Thoubal District United Clubs' Organisation E Rajen and president of Women Development Association, Sugnu Indrashwori were among the presidium members of the programme during which womenfolk from valley area presented gifts and sought blessing from their hill brothers.

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