Loktak fascinates Chinese diplomat
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 28 2015 : Visibly enchanted by the legendary Loktak Lake, Chinese Amba-ssador to India Le Yucheng has asserted that the lake can attract tourists from all over the world.

Speaking to media persons at Classic Grande, Chingmei-rong here today, Le Yucheng said that he was enamoured by the natural beauty of Lok-tak Lake.

He also expressed keen desire to launch extensive publicity campaign about the lake so that people across the world know about it.

The Chinese diplomat came to Imphal to witness the Manipur Sangai Festival for three days but he stayed back here for one more day.

During his four day sojourn to the State, Le Yu-cheng tried his best to understand Manipuri people, their rich cultural heritage and vibrant culture.

In the process, he had tryst with Manipur classical dance, folk music, Sagol Kangjei etc.

Le Yucheng addressing media

"I felt an idyllic sensation when I first stepped on a hut built on the floating phumdi (biomass) of Loktak Lake.

The lake is indeed an embodiment of pristine beauty", he remarked.

Saying that he has already visited 14 other States of India since he assumed the post of Chinese Ambassador to India, Le Yucheng confided that his visit to Manipur was quite different.

"That's why I stayed back for one more day", he chipped in.

Le Yucheng who graced the opening ceremony of the 9th Manipur Polo International being held at Imphal Polo Ground said that he felt a sudden urge to play Polo on seeing a Polo match played at the oldest living Polo ground in the world.

The epithet 'Jewel of India' given to Manipur is quite appropriate.

The distinctiveness of Manipur is further sharpened by its distinct culture, traditions and many indigenous games.

Remarking that people of Manipur are bestowed with many innate talents, Le Yucheng said that he was held spell-bound on seeing Thang-Ta and Ras Leela performances.

He held a meeting with Chief Minister O Ibobi and they discussed about the State's economy, social and cultural development and many other subjects.

Yucheng remarked that Manipur and China share many striking similarities in terms of culture, traditions and historicity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China from May 14 to 16 this year and it was agreed to organise interaction sessions between local leaders of the two countries with a vision to further improve Indo-China bilateral relationship.

He exuded that India's Act East Policy would take Manipur to a new trajectory of development.

To a query about construction of a dam along the course of Brahmaputra river, Le Yucheng claimed that China is committed to take care of all ecological and environmental concerns before constructing any dam.

If any tricky or sensitive issue arises, the same may be resolved through dialogue at the highest level between the two countries.

Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM-EC) would be pivotal for improving political and economic ties among the countries of South East Asia.

As these countries are quite rich in natural resources, BCIM-EC can be a springboard for economic development and enhanced investment for all the member countries.

BCIM-EC is basically aimed at forging closer ties among the member countries through improved transport and communication networks.

Manipur occupies a strategic position in the economic corridor envisaged by the four countries and this strategic location would be very advantageous to Manipur, Le Yucheng said.

If there are students who are eager to learn Chinese language, a Chinese cultural institute may be set up in Manipur.

The same institute can also facilitate closer cultural exchange between China and India, particularly North East India.

During his four day stay at Imphal, the Chinese diplomat watched Sangai festival, polo match, classical music, folk dance, visited Loktak Lake, witnessed Manipuri wedding ceremony and interacted with rural people.

He also expressed keen desire to re-visit Manipur sometime later.