PFA on Sangai Festival
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 11 2013:
Wishing the ensuing Sangai Festival a grand success, People for Animals (PFA) Thoubal, reminded the organisers that the World should be shown that the Manipuri people are not only kind to the human but also to the animals through the Sangai Festival.
As the name Sangai festival itself shows that the people of Manipur are the guardians of various world most rare wild animals, a statement issued by the PFA today cautioned that the officials should strictly check and verify food stalls to avoid previous embarrassment.
It reminded the organisers and all concerned that foreign tourists will not be impressed by roasted mutton, boiled pork, porcupine biryani or fried chicken because they are much familiar than us to such dishes.
Not a single piece of wild animal listed in schedule of WLP Acts should be entertained.
Organisers should keep food safety officers to check all the eatable items of the festival on daily basis.
This would increase the quality of the food and encourage the buyers too.
Traditional veg-food of good quality should be promoted.
Manipuri are known for their hospitality.
"We should show the world that we are not only kind to the human but also to the animals," the PFA said adding that the festival is a portrayal of the State and a platform to show the world what the people got here.
No wild animals products like feathers, skin, fur or bone should be used in making crafts object for displaying or selling at the festival.
It is against WLP Acts, it asserted.
It further urged the Forest department to provide pre-paid vehicles for tourist who are willing to visit Keibul Lamjao National Park, Loktak lake, State zoo or Sangai breeding homes etc.
The PFA also extended appreciation to Elite Foundation Manipur for their concern over non- veg dishes at Sangai festival.