Tourism Devevelopment : Ibobi calls for peace
Kewaching, Marjing Polo and Kaina Ching to be developed as tourist spots
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, September 27 2012:
AS IN other part of the globe, World Tourism Day was also celebrated in Manipur under the theme 'Tourism and Sustainable Energy, Powering Sustainable Development' by Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur at Hotel Imphal here today.
Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, who also holds the portfolio of Tourism, said that whenever the state government tries to set up and develop any industry in the state, outside entrepreneurs have to be taken into confidence for investing in the state.
However, after everything have been settled, the entrepreneurs always enquire about the law and order situation and ultimately back off saying they cannot risk their lives.
So, this is the problem we are facing at the moment.
This is not only in the case of industrial development but also in the case of tourism development in the state.
In order to solve this problem, the law and order situation in the state should be improved so as to attract more entrepreneurs, the Chief Minister said, while appealing to all to come together and work hand in hand to make Manipur the most peaceful state in the North East.
Mentioning the case of Mizoram which was once ravaged by militancy and even declared itself independent by furling its own flag, the Chief Minister recalled that it was only after the Centre came forward with offer of peace dialogue that everything was settled.
And now Mizoram has emerged as one of the most peaceful states in the North East.
The same situation can also be brought in Manipur if we all have the desire, he added.
Francis Ngajokpa, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, who was also present on the occasion, stressed on the need to bring peace in the state so as to attract more tourists in the state and categorically stated that development of tourism lies in our hands.
Dr.Rajesh Kumar, IAS, Commissioner of Tourism also stressed on the need to develop tourism sector in the state and observed that in order to attract tourists, the state needs proper transport system and well-equipped accommodation.
The Tourism Department has already spotted three places in Kewaching, Marjing Polo and Kaina Ching to make it as tourist spots, he informed.
Prof N Mohindro and Prof Ch Ibohal were among others who spoke as resource persons on different topics on the occasion.
Meanwhile, to mark the World Tourism Day celebration, a social service camp was conducted jointly by Classic Hotel and Manipur Tourism Forum at Sendra at Sendra Tourist Centre today.