1^st Barak Festival Held at Senapati in Manipur

Brown Nongmaithem 

Indian Observer Post

Imphal [Manipur], Dec 15, 2018: Observing that water is life, and no life is possible without water, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has acclaimed the people of Senapati district for understanding the importance of Barak river, which is one of the most important components of the State’s ecosystem.

While opening the 1st State Level Barak Festival at Senapati in Manipur, held under the theme, ‘Sustaining Peace and Harmony’, amidst much fanfare at Mini Stadium Ground, Senapati district headquarters on 13^th December 2018, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said, “This is the reason why he requested the people of Senapati to allow the Government to join hands with the people of the district in organising the festival as a State level event from this year onwards.”

Speaking at the opening function as the chief guest, N. Biren Singh said that one can’t enjoy the delight of having good roads and owning costly cars if there is no amity among people. Stating that good relations among people of different communities is of prime importance, the Chief Minister observed that one who respects fellow people would gain love and regard from others as well in return. It is a matter of joy that trust and love among people has been regained after the coming of BJP-led Government in the State, he said.

N. Biren Singh stated that the Government would take up steps in consultation with the DC and officials of the State Tourism Department to encourage garbage management and plantation of saplings at the origin of Barak and also at some selected villages where the river passes through. He also expressed his strong desire to visit and see the origin of the river.

He also expressed his desire to organise the festival in greater scale and more systematic manner with the participation of tourists and cultural troupes from other States and foreign countries from the next year. For this, he directed the contractor and officials concerned to complete construction of gallery of the mini stadium before next year’s festival.

Regarding border issues at Dzuko and Tungjoy village bordering Nagaland, he said that the matter can be sorted out without any trouble as there is a very good friendly relationship and understanding among all the Chief Ministers of North East States now.  N. Biren Singh said that he is happy that the functionaries of Southern Angami Youth Organization have expressed their desire to meet him.

Speaking on the occasion as the functional president, Public Health Engineering Minister Losii Dikho said that like Egypt is the gift of the Nile, Barak River has been playing pivotal role in maintaining a good ecosystem rich in floras and faunas in the State. Observing that requirement of water would increase manifold in coming days, water can be brought to the valley through tunnels, he opined. The Minister also spoke in detail about various projects being taken up by the Government in Senapati district.

Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution Minister Karam Shyam, Tribal Affairs and Hills Minister N. Kayisii, Agriculture Minister  V. Hangkhanlian, Tamei AC MLA  Awangbou Newmai, Karong AC MLA D.D. Thaisii, former Minister  Francis Ngajokpa, ADC Senapati Chairman  M.L. Markson, ADC Members, Secretary (Tourism)  Nidhi Kesarwani, Senapati DC  Somorjit Salam, Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) president  Solomon Arrow and leaders of five different communities and organisations of the district were also present at the occasion among others.

Earlier, soon after his arrival at the festival venue,  Chief Minister unveiled the Barak Monolith and opened the festival with the lighting of the festival lamp using the fire taken from the first position winner of the traditional fire making competition. Colourful cultural items of different tribes of the district were also presented at the function. The dignitaries also visited the Morungs (traditional huts) of five communities of the district viz. Mao, Maram, Poumai, Thangal and Zeliangrong constructed at the festival venue.

Miss Barak contest, Barak Voice Hunt, musical night, DJ nite, traditional car rally competition and expedition/trekking to Barak origin at Liyai Khullen are the main attractions of the festival this year.

Photo Courtesy - http://e-pao.ne