Mera Chaoren Houba celebrated in Manipur

Imphal, Oct 12 (UNI) Mera Chaoren Houba - the festival of oneness and brotherhood - was today celebrated in Manipur.

People belonging to different communities observed the day by greeting each other and organising processions.

Manipur Governor Dr S S Sidhu said during the festival, the unity among the people gets strengthened and all ill-will is forgiven and forgotten.

Mr Sidhu said the need of the hour for the state was a respite from strife and violence.

''The biggest sufferers are the poor people who earn their daily livelihood with great difficulty. The age-old traditions of peaceful co-existence and harmony in the pluralistic society of Manipur have to be strengthened further,'' he added.

''The wheels of socio-economic development can move faster only in an atmosphere of peace and harmony,'' he said.

The day marks the beginning of a month-long festival in Manipur in which people belonging to different communities will come together and greet each other as a sign of oneness and brotherhood.

UNI