NGOs cry foul over ouster from Sangai Festival
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, November 13 2013:
The Innovative Youth Society (IYS) and Innovative Youth Development Association (IYDA) have submitted a memorandum jointly to the Principal Secretary (Tourism), Government of Manipur today seeking explanation and valid reason for derecognizing the two pioneering NGOs which are promoters of Manipuri indigenous foods in Sangai Festival since 2009 .
The joint memorandum said that they are shocked and perturbed by the indifferences and callousness shown by the Tourism Department and Commerce and Industries Department regarding the preparatory line of action followed by the two departments and seeks a valid explanation within 72 hours from the date of submission of the memorandum failing which it will launch agitation in collaboration with civil voluntary organizations against the departments in particular and the Sangai Festival, 2013 itself.
Asserting that the two organizations are against any move to turn the festival into a profit making business at the cost of exploiting the artisans, craftsmen and indigenous food products of the State, the memorandum also asked why an open tender was not floated before the public by the concerned departments.