He was speaking during the celebration of the annual get-together function of Poumai Naga Union Imphal that was held under the theme, ‘Identity with One Culture’ at Tribal Research Institute, Chingmeirong Imphal East.

Addressing the function as chief guest, Dingo said that Manipur is inhabited by various ethnic communities having their own distinct culture and tradition and it would be wrong to say that Manipur is like a mini-India
Instability or tension between different communities occurs at times but such misunderstandings should not persist for a longer period, and they should be settled as quickly as possible, he said. The development of society can take place when the state lives peacefully. To achieve this, there is a need for unity and integrity between various communities, he added.

Ego and arrogance kill human relationships and therefore, people should not inculcate such attitude, he mentioned. The people should try to remain kind and humble, and the state can face any kind of challenges if every ethnic community stands united, he asserted.

He further said that every community of the state has a rich culture and tradition which defines its identity. The culture of India is incomplete without the culture of Northeast states, he said. The people of Manipur should always remain concerned about the preservation and promotion of their own culture, he added.

The programme was also attended by MLA Wangkhei AC Thangjam Arunkumar and MLA Karong AC Kumo Sha as dignitaries.