Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Sunday joined a grand Ningol Chakkouba feast for around 3,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), mostly women and children from Moreh and Churachandpur, at Luwangsangbam, Imphal East.
Ningol Chakkouba, one of Manipur’s most cherished festivals, is traditionally observed on Hiyangei Nini Panba (the second day of the month of Hiyangei) and celebrates the enduring bond between married women and their paternal families.
Speaking to reporters, Biren Singh highlighted that while the government had attempted to rehabilitate IDPs in their respective homes, prevailing law and order issues had prevented full resettlement. “Those in the foothills have already been resettled, but people from Churachandpur and Moreh are still facing difficulties,” he said.
Expressing concern that the displaced families were not included in this year’s festival celebrations, Biren Singh said, “It saddened me that our displaced brothers and sisters were left out. After consulting with local clubs, we decided to organize this Ningol Chakkouba feast for them.”
The event provided displaced families with an opportunity to partake in the festive spirit, share a meal, and experience the warmth of community during challenging times.
