Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh exhorted the people of Manipur to stand together for a united Manipur and India and urged the public to collectively uplift the weaker sections of society.

The chief minister made the statement as chief guest at the state-level Kut festival, the biggest post-harvest festival of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo group, organised at Thomas Ground, Kangpokpi district headquarters, on Thursday.

Biren Singh opened the Kut Festival and released a souvenir. He also sounded the traditional gong that marked the opening of the festival. Cultural presentations from tribes like Aimol, Maring, Paite, Nepali, Hmar, Maram, exhibition of the traditional high jump over mithun and Miss Kut contest were held.

He added that people need to forget the past and give up the idea of taking reprisal against any community for any past mistake or discord.

The chief minister said every community should be allowed to live with dignity and protect their identity.

He added that the festival should be organised in other district headquarters so that interaction with the people residing in the interior and far-flung areas may increase.

Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K. Sangma was the chief guest at the celebrations at Sugnu Lamhang village of Chandel district. Organised by the Chandel district Kut committee, this year’s theme of the post-harvest celebration was Nurturing the Legacy of our Forefathers.

Conrad said patriotism is the strength of the northeastern people and appealed

that festivals such as Kut should be promoted on a bigger platform as it preserves the customs and traditions of each tribe.