Manipur Sangai Festival inaugurated with fanfare
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, November 21 2011:
With the stated objective of promoting Manipur as a world class tourism destination, the Manipur Sangai Festival, 2011 (Manipur Tourism Festival) began today at Hafta Kangjeibung with Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh lighting the inaugural lamp.
Many exhibitors, both from India and broad including Thailand, Myanmar and Kenya, are participating in the festival which would go on till November 30 .
As many as 300 stalls displaying and selling handloom and handicraft products as well as eatable items have been set up to attract the visitors.
Speaking as Chief Guest of the inaugural function held at the nearby Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT), Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, announced that the Union Home Ministry is likely to extend lifting of Protected Area Permit (PAP) to facilitate more tourist inflow to Manipur.
In spite of law and order problem, many tourists have been heading to Manipur since the lifting of PAP.
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Manipur Sangai Festival, 2011 has been organized under the motto of Incredible India to attract more tourists and promote Manipur as a world class tourism destination.
Maintaining that the natural beauty of Manipur is beyond comparison with any other tourist destination in the world, the Chief Minister said that the government has been trying its best to develop necessary infrastructures for the promotion of Manipur tourism.
Development in tourism would not only generate more income but also create more employment opportunities in the state.
The Chief Minister observed that along with giving priority to development of tourism, art & culture and sports, the state government has also been giving special attention to medical care.
Lok Sabha MP Dr T Meinya, who attended the function as Guest of Honour expressed confidence that Manipur would surely become one of the most sought after tourism destination and the income generated from tourism would give a big boost to the economy.
He also appealed to the people for co-operation and support in the efforts being made by the government for promotion of tourism in the state.
The inaugural function was presided by the Tourism Minister T N Haokip which was also attended by PDA Chairman Loken, Chairperson of State Commission for Women Dr Ibetombi, Chairperson of Manipur State Women Development Cooperation, A K Mirabai, Chief Secretary D S Poonia, Commissioner Art and Culture R K Nimai, Commissioner, Tourism, KK Chhetri, DGP Y Joykumar among others.