manipur christmas
Photo: Sothing Shimray

A festive mood has gripped Manipur as the citizens are celebrating Christmas on Tuesday in the run up to the New Year celebration. The people also joined for community feasts.

The State Governor Dr Najma Heptulla and Chief Minister N Biren Singh led leaders including Cabinet ministers in extending Christmas greeting to the people.

Extending Christmas greetings to the people of Manipur, State Governor Dr Heptulla said, “Let us all celebrate the birth of this apostle of peace while rededicating ourselves to the spiritual and ethical path propounded by him and live in harmony and brotherhood by following his values.”

“Lord Jesus, the messenger of God and an apostle peace and non violence, showed humanity the path to salvation through love, compassion, mercy and forgiveness,” said the Governor’s message.

“His teachings transcend all barriers and his everlasting message of peaceful co-existence holds true for all. Let us all celebrate the birth of this apostle of peace while re-dedicating ourselves to the spiritual and ethical path propounded by Him and live in harmony and brotherhood by following his values,” the Governor’s message read.

In his message, Chief Minister Biren said, “It is the time now to listen and take the message of Christmas with utmost seriousness, shun involvement of oneself in any manner of evil activity and involve oneself in the work of spreading peace and harmony in the State.”

Similarly in his message on the occasion, Manipur Assembly Speaker Yumnam Khemchand Singh said, “If we could at least follow only few of his teachings and preaching on living harmoniously amongst all communities this world could have been a much better place to live.”

Manipur Lok Sabha MP Dr Th Meinya has conveyed Christmas 2018 greetings and a happy and prosperous New Year 2019 greeting to the people.

On the arrival of Christmas celebrations, the proscribed Revolutionary People’s Front has sent its warm wishes to all the people of Manipur stating let peace and harmony prevail.

Many civil society organizations, students’ bodies and others also send out Christmas wishes to the masses.

Sobhapati Samom is Northeast Now Correspondent in Imphal. He can be reached at: [email protected]