Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 03:
Besides allowing a large number of Manipuris to participate in the forthcoming Indo-Myanmar free trade seminar to be held at Mandalay as part of the India-ASEAN car rally, Myanmar officials have also agreed to allow State journalists to cover the seminar, said sources.
Sources said that the decision to allow the State representatives and the journalists to participate in the seminar was announced by the Myanmar officials during a meeting held at Tamu between the Indian and Myanmar officials a few days back in connection with the upcoming Indo-ASEAN Car rally.
Ministry of External Affairs Additional Secretary CM Bhandari, Rally security in charge (senior IPS officer) Rajat Majumdar and Confederation of Indian Industries Deputy Director Ajay Khanna, Rally's chairman V Chibber and Commerce and Industries Secretary RK Nimai attended as representatives of the Indian Govt while the Myanmar side was represented by military officials.
Sources further informed that a chartered bus service between Manipur and Mandalay is likely to be opened after the completion of the car rally.
The Central Govt team led by the External Affairs Additional Secretary which participated at the meeting left for Kohima today.
Commerce and Industries Dept has also announced that it would present traditional clothes as gifts to all the participants of the Indo-ASEAN car rally.
Meanwhile, Director Youth Affairs and Sports today informed that the 1st ASEAN Car Rally will be held next month.
The rally will be divided into three parts viz: International leg, India leg and Manipur leg.