Imphal, October 26: The traditional festival of Mera Houchongba was also celebrated at Sugnu High School ground today under the theme of 'Emotional Harmony'.

The event was organised under the joint aegis of All Manipur Ethnical Socio-Cultural Organisation (AMESCO), All Thoubal District United Clubs' Organisation, All Yairipok United Clubs' Organisation, All Kakching Khunou United Clubs' Organisation and SEDO, Hiyanglam.

Exchange of gifts among the people and presentation of cultural dances and songs were the hallmarks of the celebration attended by AMESCO president LS Guite, Advisors Thounaojam Iboyaima, Dr Dhanabir Laishram, AMUCO president R Yangsosong Koireng, Khullakpa of Tonsen Khullen M Ringneichung Kom, Khullakpa of Tampi VS Peter Anal, Khullakpa of Salemmai Haokhotung Baite, president of Haokip People's Council Ngamkholet Haokip, Khullakpa of Sarei Khul Sareingam Tangkhul, former president of Kabui Samiti Tomba Kabui, advisors of Ching-Tam Peace Committee, Sugnu T Chumhring Anal and Lungchal Anal and other leaders as presidium members.

Giving the key note address of the function, secretary general of AMESCO Nando said the festival of Mera Houchongba festival is being organised under the aegis of AMESCO on the full moon day of Mera every year at different parts of the State, and for this year it is being celebrated at Sugnu.

Among the presidium members who addressed the function, AMUCO president R Yangsosong Koireng observed that due to unceasing factional fightings, a person from Churachandpur district does not feel like spending the night in Ukhrul district and likewise brethren from Ukhrul district hesitate from visiting Ukhrul.

But on the contrary, an outsider coming to Manipur can go to any parts of the State in search of work and livelihood.

He further observed that there is nothing to be gain from killing among ourselves.

If we continue to live in mutual mistrust of each other, then we cannot rule out the possibility of recurrence of the incident in which the State of Tripura was usurped by the Bengalis from the hands of the Tripuris.

So, unity among ourselves who have the same colour and origin is the need of the hour, he said, adding mistakes committed in the past should be forgiven and forgotten in the true spirit of brotherhood.

All others who spoke at the occasion also stressed on the need for unity and fraternity among hill and valley people of Manipur.

All Clubs, Organisations and Meira Paibis Lup (ACOAM-Lup) also celebrated Mera Houchongba by organising a function at the hall of Government Polytechnic at Takyel today.

Director of Manipur State Archive Sushila Devi and ACOAM-Lup president Lanjaigai Kamei were respectively chief guest and president of the function which was also attended by S Dani Purul of Senapati District Village Authority, chief of Liyai Village Veisu Paomei, Chief of Kharam Pallel Village Authority J Thangsinchong, headman of Thangal Village K Abung, Khunbu of Kinthanglong Kabui Khul K Kabungba, chief of Lam-langhupi Village Hiyang Thambaljao Chothe and chief of Thangjing Chiru SD Chongneiwan as guests of honour.

National Awardee Waikhom Romesh and Lecturer of Imphal College G Lanbilung were among the resource persons who spoke on different topics at the occasion marked by exchanged of gifts and cultural programme.

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