Imphal, April 01: The 71st commemoration of Zeliangrong Solidarity Day was observed at the Indoor stadium of Tamenglong District HQs today.

Held under the theme of 'Unity is Strength', the event was organised by Zeliangrong Union (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland).

MLA Z Mangaibou, Union president D Dikambui were chief guest and president of the function respectively which also had the presence of Naga Hoho vice president DM Ngamthonang and ex-MP Meijinlung Kamsong as guests of honour.

Addressing at the gathering, Mangaibou recalled the first Solidarity Day observance on April 1, 1934 by conducting ritual ceremony for bringing peace and unity among people of Zeliangrong community.

Even though some variation are found in the dialects spoken by Zeliangrong people, there is similarities with regard to custom and tradition, and it is through this, Zeliangrong people could make peace and live in unity, he maintained.

Today's function was marked with the ritual ceremony of laying the solidarity pillar near PWD office and Solidarity lighting by the chief guest followed by decoration of the a map representing the areas inhabited by Zeliangrong people with candles by the those who were present at the solemn occasion.

The Solidarity light was lit from the fire produced through rubbing of bamboo chips in the traditional firing making method by three sub tribes of Zeliangrong community.

A solidarity magazine entitled "Cross roads" was also released at the occasion, besides cultural troupes of different communities of Zeliangrong performed colourful folk dances.

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