Indian tradition and culture have hemmed in us together. The relationships between Manipur and Tripura date back to ancient time, Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said.
While attending the valedictory programme of Puthiba Lai Haraoba at Abhoynagar in Agartala on Monday, Deb also said, recently introduced rail services between Agartala and Jiribum of Manipur will further enhance the relationship between the two States.
Puthiba Lai Haraoba is a festival celebrated by the Meetei community to pay respect to their local traditional deities and ancestors, Deb said.
“With the initiative of the Prime Minister, a cordial relationship has been established between the States as well as chief Ministers of the North Eastern Region – however, this was lacking earlier”, Deb said and added emerging smoother relationship is helping in sorting out several internal issues promptly after consultations. As a result, the region and its people are reaping benefits.
“Good relation between Tripura and Manipur was prevailing since the Royal era. Exchanges of culture between the people of the two states would further enhance the relationship”, Deb opined.
The Chief Minister said, Unity in diversity is prevailing in Tripura. Individuals irrespective of ethnicities, size of the population and other factors are ensured to practice their religion, culture and customs in the State.
“Once, attempts were made to destroy the Indian culture. However, under the able-leadership of the Prime Minister, the country is marching forward taking along the traditions and customs”.
“Manipur women along with the womenfolk of the country are marking their presence in activities for women empowerment. With the development of the North East Region, traditional cultural heritage and customary practices are getting respects”, Deb said.
During the valedictory programme of Puthiba Lai Haraoba, the Chief Minister along with other dignitaries unveiled the Manipuri Calendar. Faculty member of Manipur cultural university Mutum Manitan was felicitated. Later, the traditional and glittering Manipuri Dances were performed by the artists.
Among others, Janajati Welfare Minister Mever Kumar Jamatia, Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC), MLA Rampada Jamatia, president of Puthiba Lai Haraoba Committee Niranjan Datta and its secretary Dipak Kumar Sinha were also present in the programme.
