KUT GREETINGS

Lamka, Oct 30: Making the first move on issuing Kut greetings, Kuki National Organisation (KNO) today sent out its warmest greetings to the ethnic Kuki groups but expressed concerns on lavishing the celebration when the jhum-fields of farmers have been devastated by rodents.

Similar to Jewish way of celebration, the Kuki people in the past had the tradition of celebrating seven Kut, of late Chavang Kut, Mim Kut and Chapchar Kut have been recognised as one of the important festival in Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram among others, Lenin H Kuki said dwelling on the bond between Kut and the ethnic group.

The information and publicity secretary of KNO also acknowledged and appreciated the contribu-tion of Kutters in the US, UK, Delhi, Pune, Bangalore et-al in showcasing the rich culture of the Kukis to the outside world, besides appealing them to continue organising the event.

In a deviation from its earlier Kut messages the armed outfit this time expressed its concern even as it said it shares the agony and adversity faced by poor farmers whose jhum-fields had been devastated by rodents. “It would be awk-ward and apathetic to throw away lakhs of rupees on Miss Kut and Beauty Page-ant or scantily-clad body shows on the eve of Kut.

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Chandel Kut

IMPHAL, Oct 30: For Chandel district, the biggest post-harvesting festi- val of Kuki-Chin-Mizo gro-up of people, Kut would be celebrated at Standard English High School, Sugnu.

According to chairman of Kut Committee Chandel district Ngamkholal Baite, representatives of 22 tribes of Chandel district would be participating in the celebration to be inaugurated by Works Minister K Ranjit , and MLA E Dwijamani as presidium members. Cultural programmes and Miss Kut contest would be main attractions of the festival.

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Guv, CM, others send Chakkouba, Kut greetings

IMPHAL, Oct 30 : Governor Gurbachan Jagat has greeted the people of Manipur on the occasion of Ningol Chakkouba.

In his message, the Governor observed that this festival revives ties and affection between brothers and sisters, fathers and daughters and mothers and daughters which ultimately help in the promotion of strong family ties and mutual under-standing, love, peace and harmony amongst all the people of the State.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister O Ibobi has extended his best greetings to the people of Manipur, specially to the Kuki-Chin-Mizo communities ahead of the Kut festival.

The Chief Minister also conveyed his hope that the Kut festival would not only be a binding force to keep the people of Manipur closer but a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo people.

MPCC president Gaikhangam has also extended best wishes on the occasions of Ningol Chakkouba and Kut festivals.

In his greeting, GOC 3 Corps Lt Gen Rakesh Kumar Loomba conveyed his hope that Ningol Chakkouba festival may enhance the spirit of unity and brotherhood among the people of Manipur. Rakesh Kumar Loomba has also extended his best greetings on the occasion of Chavang Kut. Greeting the people of Manipur on the occasions of Ningol Chakkouba and Chavang Kut, GOC 57 Red Shield Division Maj Gen Shakti Gurung appealed to the people to abjure violence.

IG AR (South) Maj Gen AK Choudhary and all ranks of Assam Rifles have also greeted the people of Manipur on the occasions of Ningol Chakkouba and Kut festivals.

NCP Manipur Pradesh, MPP, BJP Manipur Pradesh, FREINDS, RJD Manipur, Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF), All Manipur Petroleum Tanker Drivers’ Union have also greeted the people of Manipur on the occasion of the two festivals.

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All set for Kut celebration in Chandel

IMPHAL, Oct 30: The unique post harvest festival of Kuki-Chin-Mizo community Chawang Kut will be celebrated by the Chandel district Kut committee on Novemebr 1 at the Standard English High School, Sugnu with fanfare.

Stating this, Ngamkholal Baite, chairman of the Chandel district Kut committee during a press conference held this morning at Sugnu mentioned that this year’s celebration in Chandel district will be held under the theme ‘Peace, unity and harmony’ and the celebration will be joined by various communities residing in Chandel district.

Cultural items including cultural dances from various ethnic Kuki sub-tribes of Chandel district and musical programmes will be held at the inaugural session of the festival which will be attended by state works minister K Ranjit as chief guest. The function will be presided by MLA, E Dwijamani of Hiyanglam AC. Besides, four MLAs including Bijoy Koijam, M Hemanta Singh, Th Lokeshore and U Deven Singh will also attend the inaugural session as guests of honour.

The deputy commisioner, Chandel, N Ashokumar, IAS, will inaugurate the evening session as the chief guest. The session will be presided by Darsino Aimol, SDO, Chakpikarong.

The chairman of the committee further said that there will be a Miss Kut contest for Chandel district in the evening with cash prizes of Rs. 10,000 for Miss Kut, Rs. 7000 for first runners up and Rs. 5000 for second runners up along with prizes for other titles.

The chairman further appealed to all Kuki communities from Chandel living far and near, and mainly women, to participate in the festival. All girls from different communities of Chandel are allowed to participate in the Miss Kut contest, he added.

He also mentioned that prior to the celebration of Kut festival at Standrad English High School, Sugnu Tribal there will be a Kut-eve Gospel meeting tomorrow which will be attended by the Gospel parties from Mizoram state.

Source: The Sangai Express & Imphal Free Press