Tag: IFP

IMPHAL | Nov 2

Chandel unit of Bharatiya Janata Party will organise a grand reception ceremony for chief minister N Biren Singh at the Maha Union Government Higher Secondary School ground when the CM visits the district with his cabinet ministers on Saturday.

A release from the Chandel unit invited all residents of the district to attend the reception, and appealed to the people of Manipur not to call any ban or blockade on the day of Singh’s visit.

DIPR adds: Preparations are on in full swing for Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s maiden visit to Chandel District on Saturday.

The District Administration has made elaborate arrangements for the upcoming Chief Minister’s visit to the district. Deputy Commissioner, Chandel Krishna Kumar said that the people of Chandel District are eagerly waiting for the Chief Minister.

Chandel District Administration is fully prepared to host first ever Cabinet Meeting in the district, he added.

Giant gates are being erected to greet the Chief Minister at various points like Thamlakhuren Village, Ziontlang Village, Liwa Maring Village etc. These gates are especially arranged for the occasion imprinted with ‘Welcome Shri Biren Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur’.

All the speed breakers/road humps are being removed along the Pallel-Chandel District HQ road.

On his visit to Chandel District, Chief Minister will inaugurate Liwachangning Girls’ Hostel at Komlathabi. Chief Minister will also lay the foundation stones for Women Market near SDO office and Town Hall, Panchai. Chief Minister would also inaugurate 50 bedded District Hospital at Chandel Christian, ADC Office Complex at Monsang Pantha, and Science Lab at United College at Lambung, Maha Union Girls Hostel. A public meeting would be held at Maha Union Ground, where Chief Minister would be addressing the people of the district.

From our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Nov 2

District Agriculture Office, Ukhrul organised a one day District Level Sensitisation Programme on different schemes related to agriculture at Ilongshim Hall, Awungtang, Hungpung, Ukhrul district today.

Chairman of ADC Ukhrul, K. Dickson and additional deputy commissioner of Ukhrul, Kh. Leiyaphy Rita attended the occasion as chief guest and president respectively. The meeting was attended by hundreds of farmers from Hungpung area.

In his keynote address, the district agriculture officer highlighted the various schemes and programmes implemented by the department. He emphasised that the sole objective of the programme was to sensitise the farmers on the various schemes of agriculture being undertaken at the district level.

Leiyaphy Rita urged the farmers to put in practice the technique and method as instructed and provided by the concern department so as to produce positive result for determining the agriculture growth and movement in the district. She also mentioned about the importance of having Soil Health Card as the concern department can test the soil of the farmers and recommend appropriate measures for the same.

Dickson implored the concern department to release seeds, pesticides, weedicides and others at the appropriate time for the greater benefit of farmers. He also urged the authorities concerned to sensitise farmers at all village level in the district on the apt usage of all the aforementioned agricultural supplements. He further stated about the harmful usage of pesticides, insecticides and weedicides by farmers which is the reason for death and maiming of many livestock.

Dickson remarked that the proposed 20,000 Soil Health Cards meant for the farmers of Ukhrul district are not sufficient to meet the needs of the huge populace of farmers in the district and urged the concern department to appeal the higher authority for sanctioning of more cards.

From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG | Nov 2

Students of Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS), Tamenglong along with the faculty staged a rally today, organised by Zeliangrong Students’ Union Manipur (ZSUM) against the non- release of funds for the school.

According to the school management committee and ZSUM, Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) Tamenglong had been closed down since October 18 due to the lack of ration fund and maintenance of the school.

ZSUM had served an ultimatum to the state government earlier. Since the government had not made any response, the rally was staged today demanding early release of school fund.

The rally which staged banners and placards started from their residential school and ended at the deputy commissioner office, Tamenglong.

A memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister of Manipur was submitted through deputy commissioner, Tamenglong.

 Slogans like ‘we demand release of fund’, ‘we want justice’, and others were raised in the rally.

Deputy commissioner, Armstrong Pame has received the memorandum which was to be submitted to the chief minister of Manipur.  He also urged all students to quit the agitation and attend their classes by assuring them that he would forward the request to the authority concerned.

The memorandum demanded the chief minister of Manipur to redress the issue at the earliest for the interest of the students. It also mentioned that the shopkeepers and vegetables refused to give essential commodities on credit to the school anymore.

The school management committee could no longer request the shopkeepers and vegetables vendors to extend some more time to clear the pending dues. The school has left with no option except to close down as it could no longer run on credit.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 2

Umanglai Kanba Apunba Lup (UKAL) has today extended support to the plan to torch copies of a controversial book by Omar Khanglem portrayed “The writers of Mahabharata and Ramayana as the Real Religious Scientists”.

In a press meet held today at its Konung Mamang office, convener to the religious organisation, Mutum Manaoton said that every book regarding religion and Manipuri cultural tradition should be proofread and screened properly before publishing. A book without screening should not be published again in the future, he added.

He also urged the government and other concerned authorities to set up a book screening committee so that such confusion would not be committed again in the future.

An agreement was signed between UKAL and the writer, Omar Singh Wangkhem and his family members before the press today. In the agreement, the writer agreed not to write and publish any more books in the future. If he at all wants to write another book, he also agreed to consult the organisation formally before doing so.

The agreement also required the writer to apologise to the public through the media both electronic and print for five consecutive days.

Secretary general of the organisation, Ingba Mangang Yumnamcha added that the author of this book should collect all the 1000 copies that have been published before destroying the book.

He said that Omar himself should collect all the books including the copies exported outside the state

Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF) had also banned the book and declared all copies of it would be torched on November 4.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 2

Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) today said that the party will join hands with all opposition political parties of the state in observing a “Black day” on November 8, the day  demonetisation of Rs.1000 and Rs.500 was announced last year by BJP led government. The state political parties in opposition will take out a mass rally and other agitations against the BJP led government.

General secretary of the party, L. Sotinkumar announced this in a press meet held at its Irawat Bhawan office.

He said that demonisation which was claimed to be a step to do away with black money has proven false and that it also didn’t help remove black money. Instead it gave a lot of trouble to the public. Demonetisation has flopped miserably, he said.

The BJP government also made other many changes that stirred the country such as beef ban, demonetisation, GST, and now Taj Mahal issue.

 Sotinkumar also said that CPI will observe the great October socialist- revolution centenary celebration on November 7 at Roop Mahal Theatre. It was a revolution which led to the establishment of the Soviet Union.

The Russian Revolution took place in Russia on November 7, 1917. This revolution became a historical landmark worth celebration because it was the first revolution that peasants and the lower classes overthrew the ruling bourgeoisie and formed a new state based on socialism.

CPI-M leader also commented on the recent NSCN-IM and Government of India’s peace talks saying that the party will not allow any compromises on the state’s territorial integrity. Instead he urged the government to give full autonomy to the district authorities and gram panchayats so that such uprising and demands will not happen.

He mentioned that the BJP government has also stirred the north eastern states especially Manipur by its decisions. He noted that in 2001, an agreement was signed between the government and the NSCN-IM to have ‘cease-fire without territorial limit’, and in 2015 again, Framework Agreement was signed and the contents are not made public till now.

IMPHAL | Nov 2

The Manipur Proletariat Peoples Democratic Union (MPPDU) said that PDS items are not being properly distributed to the public and requested the chief minister to draw his attention on the issue and make the PDS items properly available.

A release said that the people are not getting the PDS items properly and the government must consider the negative outcomes if the issue continues.

On the other hand, the farmers are living in fear of facing food shortages due to constant flood caused by the rain.

The government must draw its attention to the prevailing issue, and investigate how the PDS items are not being distributed properly.

If any party are found involved in the misappropriation of the PDS items must be given stringent punishments, it added. 

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Nov 2

Kuki community at Guwahati and Shillong jointly celebrated Chavang Kut on November 1 at Guwahati with much joviality and happiness.

The festival organised by Kuki Welfare Association (KWA), Guwahati under the theme, ‘How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in Unity (Psalm 133:1)’ at GMC Auditorium, Guwahati, where the historic Anglo-Kuki War (1917-1919) was also commemorated.

The programme was supposed to be attended as chief guest by chief minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal but could not turn up owing to emergency official matter. However, it was attended by IRS, Central Goods and Service Tax and Customs, NER Shillong, WL Hangshing as guest of honour while principal commissioner of Income Tax, Mumbai, DP. Haokip, IRS was the Kut Pa (Kut father).

Underlining the importance of Unity, DP. Haokip said that the forefathers had fought British for three years fearlessly during the Anglo-Kuki War. The British has recorded the war as the longest, largest and the costliest military operation in the whole of India since the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857.

He said that time has come for us to promote the celebration of Chavang Kut for unity and develop as a platform to seek the blessing of God.

He further cautioned the younger generation of the Kuki community not to use social media for discussion of unnecessary issues and rather take advantages of it for their educational benefit.

Cultural troupe from Hmar, Zomi, Baite, Guwahati Lawm, Maikhuli KCK and KSO Guwahati performed various cultural dances showcasing the unity and oneness through culture and identity while KWS, Guwahati Choir and Hmar Welfare enthralled the crowd with their melodious voice.

A documentary film of Anglo-Kuki War (1917-1919) produced by Kut Media Team under the aegis of Kuki Welfare Association was also screened in the auditorium while students of St. Edmund’s College, Shillong presented as skit on Anglo-Kuki War. Later, the crowd was fully mesmerised by song performance by Benny Khongsai.

Among the four nominees, the silver medallist in Serbian U-17 Youth International Badminton Championship, Andrew Paoginlen Lotzem won the Kut Icon Award 2017. a living legendary singer Benny Khongsai mesmerize the audience with his popular song, “Koi ba khatvei jol’a koi nomdem”.

Leaders of Kuki Inpi Meghalaya and Kuki Worship Service based at Shillong and Happy Valley, Shillong also attended the momentous festival. A massive Kut feast marked the impressive Chavang Kut Celebration at Guwahati.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 2

Members of the ‘consultative committee’, formed by the Manipur government on Naga issues today met Home secretary Government of India, Rajiv Gauba and R.N. Ravi, interlocutor for Naga peace talks.

According to government sources, the committee’s members, former chief minister of Manipur, Radhabinod Koijam and Lt. Gen. (retd) Konsam Himalay Singh, chairpersons Manipur Public Service Commission, during the meeting with Home secretary and R.N Ravi reportedly had discussion on the progress of the peace talks between the NSCN-IM and Government of India.

It has been informed that committee will also meet the National Security Advisors, Ajit Kumar Doval, (retd) IPS and other stakeholders of the Indo-Naga talks in New Delhi.

The consultative committee is on deputation to Delhi to meet the concerned important stakeholders of government of India and to know the latest developments and facts at the earliest. The committee left Imphal on October 31.

The committee’s Delhi visit was based on a decision taken by an all political party meeting convened by chief minister N. Biren Singh, on October 28.

The all party meeting was convened to discuss the issue of territorial integrity of Manipur with reference to peace talks between the NSCN-IM and government of India.

Meanwhile, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) today branded as “double standard” the statement given by NPF MLA, Awangbou Newmai on Indo-Naga peace talks.

Speaking to media persons on behalf of MPCC during a press meet held at Congress bhawan, Wangkhem MLA, K. Meghachandra, resented the statement of Awangbou who allegedly charged the Congress of being provocative, instead of coming out with a clear stand of the NPF on Manipur’s territorial integrity.

The Congress last Sunday demanded from the BJP led Manipur government and NPF, the clear stand of NPF on Manipur’s integrity and warned government concerned not to give take any decision against the interest of the state including separate administrative unit for hills.

In response, Awangbou allegedly charged Congress’s statement of being provocative and disregarded the sentiment of certain community.

MLA Meghachandra, however refuted Awangbou’s statement as ‘double standard’ for it tried to distort the fact by bringing up baseless allegation.

“We did not use any provocative words or sentence that could hurt the sentiments of others. Congress party is demanding a clear stand from the NPF on Manipur’s integrity for the public is confused with conflicting statements from different angle”, said Meghachandra.

He further stated that the Congress party is not against the Indo-Naga talks but hoping for a peaceful solution to the decades old problems which affecting the interest of Manipur.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 1

 Dr. Kh. Palin, Chairman Managing director, Shija Hospital research Institute appealed to all the constituency Minister’s, MLA’s and the Member of Parliaments and big business persons of the state to support financial assistance (Rs. 30,000 per patient) so that poor children with congenital heart disease from their respective constituencies will be able to go for the treatment under RBSK- Shija Children Heart Beat program.

The jont press conference was chaired by Dr. Kh. Palin,Chairman Managing Director, SHRI, Dr. K. Rajo, Director of Health Service, govt. of Manipur, Dr. Jugindra S. Medical Superintendent.

Dr. Kh. Palin, CMD. mentioned that a 4-day camp on non-operative closure of holes in the heart of children, was organized by Shija Heart Beat from 22nd Oct’17 to 25th Oct’17 at Shija Hospitals in collaboration with State Health Society, Govt. of Manipur under Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), a National Rural Health Mission program aiming to identify and do early intervention for children from birth to 18 years who are born with holes in the heart.

Altogether 10 children were treated non-operatively during the camp. The procedures were performed by Dr. R. Prem Sekar from Chennai, MRCP (Ireland), FRCP (Glasgow), who is one of the leading top 15 paediatric interventional cardiologists in the country. Major treatment cost is sponsored by State Health Society and an additional amount is given by the family of the patient (Rs. 30,000).

However this additional amount for the 11 procedures done on the 10 children during RBSK- Shija Children Heart Beat (1st Phase) was completely sponsored by Shija Foundation, an NGO for the parents couldn’t afford it. According to the 2011 census report, there are more than 28 lakh population in Manipur and in that population 1 % is estimated to have holes in the heart and nearly 30,000 children are suffering with heart defects from birth, so more than 9000 children will require treatment in the state.

He further mentioned that the next camp will be held from 27th Nov to 30th Nov  with a targeted number of 20 patients.

 From the State Health Society, Govt. of Manipur, Dr. K. Rajo, Director of Health Services said that the Directorate of Health Services will improvised the health care delivery system especially in the hills and also in the valley of the state. He also extended that all require needs will assisted by the state government.  Dr. Jugindra S, Medical Superintendent, Shija Hospitals expressed his gratitude for the grand success of the RBSK (1ST PHASE).

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 1

Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF) today notified that the book called “The writers of Mahabharata and Ramayana as the real religious scientist” written by Omar Singh Wangkhem will be burnt on November 4, Saturday at its office of Keishampat Top Leirak.

President of the federation, N. Muktangamba Mangang told reporters that the book has no value and has no credibility and also departs from important facts of tradition and culture.

This book can create confusions and conflicts especially Meitei people, so before it reached the larger masses, it needs to be destroyed completely, he added.

The students’ body had earlier banned this book on October 26.

Muktangamba urged people who already have the copy of this book to bring them on the day at 10:00 am to be destroyed together. He also urged intellectuals, writers’ forum and other interested persons to come and join the banishing of the book.

IMPHAL | Nov 1

Battalions of 9, 10 and 26 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of IGAR (South) headquarters celebrated national unity day on the occasion of 142nd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on October 31.

5 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles and 6, 26 and 45 Battalions of 9 Sector Assam Rifles celebrated Rashtriya Ekta Diwas at company operating bases and Battalion headquarters.

The “run for unity” was organised at all unit locations, along with flag hoisting ceremonies and drawing competitions for school students in Thoubal, Yaripok, Chandrakhong, Upper Khoripok, Andro, Lilong, Canchipur, Singjamei and Keithelmanbi.

A lecture on Sardar Patel’s contribution to the country was also held at 45 battalion headquarters.

5 JAKRIF organised a unity march and a football match at Khuman School in Mayang Imphal. Students of Azad English School, Maitram and Pole Star Public School, Patsoi-III also gave a cultural performance. Former servicemen in Patsoi and Mayang Imphal were invited to be a part of the event.

In the unity run organised by 27 Battalion of 10 Sector Assam Rifles, 138 students of four Ukhrul schools participated along with the troops. 

The company operating base commander at Ukhrul gave a speech about Sardar Patel.

26 Sector Assam Rifles celebrated the day across various locations like Pallel, Chandel, Tengnoupal, Moreh and Moltuk.

Apart from the unity run and lectures on Sardar Patel, a drawing and painting competition was held at Assam Rifles Public School Pallel.

Assam Rifles camps at Lamdangmei, Kangchup, Kotlein, Tupul and Noney also celebrated the day under supervision of the post commanders.

From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG | Nov 1

MLA of 53-Tamenglong ST/AC, Samuel Jendai today organised thanks giving programme on his successful winning in the state assembly general election.

The programme was held at the resident of the MLA, Model Village Ward No. 3, where asst. pastor TCC, MG Gairiulung led the programme while pastor TBC, Rev. Namsadai Kahmei shared the gospel short sharing. A special congregation prayer was also held for the MLA and Rev. NH. Adui took the benediction.

Speaking on the occasion, Samuel Jendai expressed his sincere thanks to all the voters who had casted for him. He said that his slogan ‘Better Tamenglong’ will only take shape when all the people come together, including the ones who did not vote for him.

He informed the gathering that the chief minister of Manipur, N Biren would be visiting Tamenglong on November 15 to announce highest development package and lay foundations of water scheme, grain gown, polytechnic, AYUS and others. He also mentioned some of the works to be done by the CM during his visits to Tamenglong.

Jendai also urged the deputy commissioner of Tamenglong to execute the policies without any pending.

Locals of various villages came forward and presented traditional shawls to the local MLA and his wife.

President of BJP Tamenglong Mandal, Phungan Phaomei also spoke on the occasion and he immensely thanked all for supporting the BJP candidate. He also urged all to continue to support the BJP ruling party candidate in the future.

According to Phungan Phaomei, Awangkhul segment, Dailong Segment, Akhui Segment have the highest votes casted for Jendai segment wise, followed by Rangkung, Kajinglong and Kahulong villages. 

Deputy commissioner of Tamenglong, Armstrong Pame also joined the thanks giving programme and urged people to give full cooperation while taking up development projects in Tamenglong.

IMPHAL | Nov 1

The proscribed umbrella organisation CORCOM said the president of RPF, I Chaoren has been appointed as the new convenor for the fourth term of CORCOM.

A release signed by publicity committee, CORCOM said I Chaoren was unanimously selected as the convenor in the 18th meeting of the organisation that was held from October 25 to 30. The leader will hold the appointed post of convenor for two years, starting from November 2, it said.

IMPHAL | Nov 1

The proscribed Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) has clarified that Moirangthem Rajkumar, (47) son of (L) M. Manggijao from Kakching Wairi Sabal Leikai Leisangthem Pareng, who was arrested by a combined team of Thoubal district police commando and Kakching police on October 28 at the bus parking of Kakching Chummang Leikai, is not related to RPF and its military wing PLA, in any manner or form, said a release signed by assistant secretary, publicity, Bangkim.

IMPHAL | Nov 1

Manipur State Pensioners’ Union (MSPU) has urged the state government for immediate revocation of the suspension order of five state government employees so as to forestall any possible agitations from various sections of the society and organisations of the state.

A release said, an emergency meeting of the executive committee of MSPU was held on October 29, in which the members expressed their serious concern in the suspension of five state government employees for taking part in the mass casual leave on October 25. The agitation was organised by Manipur Government Services Federation demanding immediate implementation of 7th pay commission for the state government employees.

The executive members of the apex body of over 45000 pensioners have stated that the five employees have been victimised for participating in democratic agitation in the interest of over 85000 employees.

IMPHAL | Nov 1

The All Kangliepak Students Union (ASKU) said Y.K. College, Wangjing which is a government college under Thoubal district, is on the verge of becoming defunct as there are no teachers left in the college.

AKSU, in a release alleged that the government has dissolved the college by not providing any replacements for the teachers who had retired. The organisation has appealed the authorities concerned to save the college by urgently providing the required teachers, it said.  Though the routine for exams have been declared, there is no teacher for Manipuri subject in the college for a year, it added.

IMPHAL | Nov 1

Tousem Area Students’ Organisation (TASO) notified that the organisation is set to have its first public consultative meeting on November 8 at Tousem United Baptist Church (TUBC), Tamenglong to discuss concerning issues of the area.

President of the students’ body, Nehemiah Daime told IFP that the meeting will discuss and sort out solutions for the non-functioning of government offices, roads and communication of the Tousem subdivision area among others.

He urged all the village chairmen, leaders, intellectuals and denizens of the area to come and participate in the said public meeting.

TASO is a body of students and youths formed on June 29 of this year to look into the present status of the area. It is a platform to discuss and work for developmental issues and other issues concerning the remotest part of the state. It is an alternative platform besides other civil voluntary organisations for mainly students and youths to take part in decision making of the area.

IMPHAL | Nov 1

Najma Heptulla congratulated the people of the state for unity amongst the people despite diversity and expressed her gratitude to the artists for not just performing the cultural dances but also going back into history of the ancestors.

The governor was attending as chief guest at the noon session of of ‘Kut 2017’ at 1st Manipur Rifles Ground, Imphal, where said that ‘culture is beyond religion’. She further said that the people of the state should continue sharing their belongings as their ancestors did with the entire village.

She also expressed her happiness for the prayer made in the Kut celebration as a remembrance of the creator.

‘We should remember our creator while we enjoy the bounty of nature which has been given to us’, said Heptulla.

She appealed the people to embrace ones’ culture, tradition, art, crafts, dresses and foods and also help one another to bring growth and development in the state.

During the premiere festival of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo group of Manipur, traditional dances from cultural troops different tribes like Thadou, Hmar, Kom, Vaiphei and others were shown as part of the celebration. It was also attended by minister of agriculture, veterinary and animal husbandry, V. Hangkhalian as functional president, along with deputy chief minister of Manipur, Yumnam Joykumar Singh, minister of MAHUD, forest and environment, Th. Shyamkumar, minister of CAF and PD, Karam Shyam, minister of PHED, Losii Dikho, MP of Lok Sabha, Thangso Baite, chairman of State Level Kut Committee, GS Haopu, chief secretary, RR Rashmi and DGP, LM Khaute.

IMPHAL | Nov 1

Chief Minister N Biren Singh said Kut festival is playing a pivotal role in building oneness and harmony in the state with diversity in language, religion, costumes and rituals.

Speaking as chief guest at the evening session of the state level Kut celebration at 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles parade ground on Wednesday, Singh said Kut has now become an important festival for the whole country and it is being taken up by people of different communities.

The chief minister said Kut had been celebrated since olden days in every village but seemed to have witnessed a decline with the advent of Christianity in Manipur at the end of the 19th century.

The festival however has regained its glory and it is a matter of pride that Kut is now celebrated not only in different parts of the country but also in many foreign countries where Kuki-Chin-Mizo people are settled, he said.

Speaking at the event, public works and IPR minister Th Biswajit said Kut is an effective instrument of socialising across the community boundaries.

Water resources minister Letpao Haokip said the festival occupies a special place not only among Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups but all the communities of Manipur.

“Let us all pledge to promote peaceful coexistence and harmony and work together for the prosperity of the state”, Haokip said.

Health minister L Jayantakumar, TD and hills minister N Kayisii, social welfare minister Nemcha Kipgen and Rajya Sabha member MC Mary Kom were also present at the celebration, which hosted musical presentations and the Miss Kut beauty pageant.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 1

Every single person residing in the state irrespective of the community they belong to has got their role in fostering oneness, peace and development in the state, said PWD minister Thongam Bishwajit Singh.

The minister was addressing a gathering during the Chavang Kut celebration organised at Tengnoupal district.

The Chavang Kut, the post-harvest festival of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo communities of the state, was celebrated today with much fervour and gaiety at Tengnoupal District Headquarter for the first time since the creation of this District.

The celebration was organised by Tengnoupal District Chavang Kut Celebration Committee, 2017.

Bishwajit said Kut is one of the most important festivals of the state for it not only highlights the cultural heritage of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo (CHIKIMS) but echoes the theme of unity, peace and integrity of the CHIKIMS.

He further said the festival also provides time to rejoice after a tiring harvest season and at time like this the spirit of love and harmony help enable us to remove the difference amongst ourselves.

“We are all the children of the state, by working together we can foster love which will eventually lead to peace and followed development in the state”, he asserted.

As a gift to the newly created district on the occasion of Kut, the minister assured to construct a guest house for the district. He also promised to expedite infrastructural development and to address the grievances faced by the district.

Chavang Kut marks the end of the harvest season. It is also a thanksgiving ceremony and prayers are offered for a bountiful harvest season and prosperity of the people.

Colourful cultural dances of various ethnic tribes including dance troupes from Chin State, Myanmar, musical performances by various artistes and beauty pageant of Miss Kut contest marked the celebration. Altogether 19 participants took part in the Miss Kut pageants.

The celebration was also attended by deputy commissioner Tengnoupal, Kh Raghuman Singh as chief host, Superintendent of Police, Dr. S. Ibomcha Singh, ADC chairman, chief of Tengnoupal, village elders and Church leaders, civil society leaders and people from different part of the district.