Sikpui Ruoi, one of the most important festivals of the Hmar community, celebrated mostly in winter, was held at the auditorium of Tribal Research Institute in Imphal, the capital city of Manipur on Wednesday with the State Chief Minister Nonthombam Biren Singh as the chief guest.
Presentation of different cultural items and community feast were the main attractions of the festival which is not celebrated annually but only in the year of abundant harvest or good year when there is no death and chaos throughout the year.
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Education Minister Th Radheshyam Singh along with the chairman of Tourism Corporation of Manipur Ltd, Dr Sapam Ranjan; Tipaimukh MLA Dr Chaltonlien Amo; Chief Executive Member Lalthalien of Sinlung Hills Council, Mizoram and Director Dr L Fimate of Mizoram Institute of Medical Education and Research also attended the festival as dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion Chief Minister Biren said that politics should never be done on the basis of community or religion, and it should be based only on human service and humanity.
Stating that serving the masses should be the primary objective and responsibility of political leaders and bureaucrats, he said people are losing faith in politicians as most of them do not translate even 50 per cent of their promises/assurances into action.
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Regarding the rumour on shifting of district administration machineries from Pherzawl headquarters to Churachandpur, he clarified that there is no such government plan at all.
Terming Hmar as one of the most advanced, decent, educated and gentle communities among the different communities in the State, he said the government would definitely consider extension of Imphal-Pherzawl MST bus service up to Parbung if the road condition permits.
Expressing that the ginger farmers of the district are no more facing the inconvenience of lack of ginger buyers or market after the State Level Ginger Festival was organized at Parbung village of the district this year, he also assured that a mini Cold Storage would be constructed at Pherzawl to store ginger and other horticulture produces of the district.
On the other hand addressing the gathering Education Minister Radheshyam said that Manipur is like a beautiful garden having different and colourful communities. He said that the State would be peaceful and gain abundance only when all these communities reside together with love and affection.