Imphal, January 11 2009: The more than 500 strong marchers of the Manipur Levy 2008 who set off from Silchar on December 29 and arrived at Imphal on January 6 were accorded a warm reception by the Chief Minister of Manipur today.

The long march christened "Historic Peace March of the Manipuri Diaspora" and taken out under the banner Manipur Levy 2008 was also participated by a large number of women.

Speaking at the reception function held at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, Chief Minister O Ibobi expressed desire to build a sense of oneness among all the Manipuris settled in different parts of the world.

He also pledged all possible assistance from the side of the Government of Manipur in promoting the bond of love and attachment with Manipuri diaspora.

Following the assurance of the Chief Minister, the gathering agreed to convene a meeting of all Manipuri diaspora in Manipur soon.

"It is a great moment for all us to meet again with our brothers and sisters who originated from Manipur but are scattered in different States and countries due to compelling circumstances in different periods of history", Ibobi noted.

"Starting from this march, let us strive in the coming years too to build up a sense of oneness among all Manipuris settled in different parts of the world including Indian States'', the Chief Minister stated.

He also assured that the State Government will make necessary arrangements to provide all possible assistance to bridge the mental and physical distance between Manipuri diaspora and Manipur.

Appealing to the Manipuri diaspora to share responsibility in promoting and expanding the rich cultural heritage of Manipur, the Chief Minister asserted that no Nation would perish as long as its indigenous culture and tradition are preserved and promoted.

He also called upon all to preserve and promote indigenous culture and tradition of the land.

Later Padmasree Ratan Thiyam, Sahitya Akademi awardee Birjit Ngangomba and Naba Wareppa delivered speeches on performing arts of Manipur.

The Manipuri diaspora peace marchers were also treated with the Shumang Leela Gusmogee Khudol, played by the Peace Maker Artistes' Association.

In another function organised at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium to welcome the peace marchers, a seminar was held on the topic "Sports Movement in Manipur".

Many resource persons presented papers on the topic.

In continuation of the historic peace march, a seminar will be held on the topic "Historical Perspectives of the Manipuri Diaspora" in the Centenary Hall of the Manipur University tomorrow where the topic will be discussed together with the people of Manipuri diaspora.

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