IMPHAL, Dec 21 - Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh today stressed the need of mutual respect among different communities and equal development of all areas to maintain unity in the State.
Speaking during the two-day diamond jubilee celebration of Namdunlong village here this morning, the Chief Minister said the people should not allow themselves to get carried away by bad influences which may undermine age-old fraternal bonds.
Stating that conflict and enmity would not bring any good, Biren Singh said that the sacred books of all religions preach that people should not harm one another.
The Chief Minister recalled the centuries-old relations between the Kabui and Meitei communities, observing that the machete held by Kabui men in performing their traditional dance is also used by the Meitei community during their �Lai Haraoba� ceremonies.
It indicates that the two indigenous communities share common ancestry and have unbreakable blood relations, Biren Singh said, adding that nobody can forget Kabui Salang Maiba�s story passed down from generation to generation in Manipur folklore.
Lok Sabha member Dr RK Ranjan, who represents the Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency, MLAs Okram Henry (Wangkhei) and MLA Samuel Jendai (Tamenglong) and others also spoke at the function, which was attended by officials and villager elders.
Earlier, the Chief Minister formally opened the diamond jubilee celebrations by lighting a torch and hoisting the village flag. Traditional dance and music were presented as part of the celebrations. A souvenir was also released on the occasion.
