Lui-Ngai-Ni celebrated with traditional fervor

Imphal, Febuary 15: The Naga seed sowing festival, Lui-Ngai-Ni was celebrated today with traditional fervor at the packed Maha Union Government High School ground. Besides the Governor Ved Marwah and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh as the special and chief guest respectively, several members of the Council of Ministers of the SPF Government and MLAs graced the celebration which was marked by presentation of cultural items and stiff competition in traditional fire making. Addressing the packed school ground, the Governor appreciated the unity and cooperation of 16 different Naga tribes in organizing the grand festival and expressed hope that the spirit of unity will spread further beyond the festival. He also stressed on the need to develop and preserve culture and tradition of various communities and the Naga community in particular. Deploring violence that has adversely affected developmental activities of the State, he urged the people to introspect minutely on problems afflicting the society to usher in a new era of peace and development. Making special mention of the Chief Minister's endeavor to tour remote and far flung areas of the State, the Governor emphasized on similar tours by Ministers to grasp and address the problem besetting the people. Taking note of concentration of power at city and district headquarters, the Governor desired that problems of people of far flung areas should be addressed adequately. He also promised to donate Rs 1 lakh from his discretionary fund to the festival organizer. In his address as the chief guest, O Ibobi called on the people to promote peace and unity and extend mutual cooperation in preserving the secular identity of the State. Dispelling any apprehension on the territorial integrity issue of Manipur, he recalled India's first Prime Minister's reservation over the merging Manipur to the Indian Union considering the unique culture and traditional features of the State. Regretting making political statement on the occasion of such festival, Ibobi nevertheless declared the intention of the SPF Government to put more emphasis on developing backward areas of the State. The State Cabinet has also endorsed the decision to conduct tours at remote villages; he said and donated Rs 50,000 to the organizers. In honour of untiring service to the people of Chandel district Certificate of Appreciation was given to gynaecologist Dr Yengkhom Ongbi Jibanlata Devi of Kakching Khunou by the festival organizers. Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing, Works Minister Gaikhangam, Horticulture Minister RK Theko, (MoS (Agriculture) K Ranjit, MoS (Family Welfare) Bijoy Koijam, YAS Minister A Aza, MoS (RD&PR) Loken, Fishery Minister Wungnaoshang Keishing, MoS (Social Welfare) DK Korungthang, MoS (GAD) Francis Ngajokpa and MLAs I Hemochandra, BD Behring and Henry Paote also graced the festival held under the theme 'Towards a Culture of Peace'.