Manipur Sangai Festival comes to an end
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 30 2013 : The 10-day annual Manipur Sangai Festival 2013 organised by the State Government with a vision to promote tourism industry in the State came to an end this evening.

The festival reached its highest crescendo today with the maximum number of attendance numbering tens of thousands of people.

But a large number of people went back disappointed as they could not gain access to BOAT for the open air theatre was already full.

The official closing ceremony was held at BOAT un- der the aegis of Tourism Department.

Like on the opening day, BOAT was packed to its full capacity.

The closing ceremony was graced by Chief Minister O Ibobi as chief guest and De-puty Chief Minister Gaikha- ngam as president.

Parliamentary Secretary M Prithiviraj, Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga, retired DGP MK Das, former NEC member Madan Prasad Bezbaruah, Ministry of Tourism's Additional Secretary Girish Shan- kar and Principal Secretary (Tourism) Rajesh Kumar were also seated on the dais as guests of honour.

Speaking at the occasion, O Ibobi stated that he felt elated on seeing different cultural troupes coming from all the districts of Manipur and present their cultural dance and music numbers during the 10-day festival.

All the ethnic groups of Manipur who num-ber more than 30 have been living in harmony since time immemorial.

Manipur Sangai Festival comes to an end

In spite of the shortfalls in transport infrastructure, the State Government has been working to draw interest of foreign investors and tourists.

Growth in tourism industry would not only augment economic development but also generate employment avenues for unemployed youth of the State.

The State Government, keeping this mind, has been working hard to implement all types of projects that can be taken up under the Ministry of Tourism, Ibobi stated.

In consultation with the Government of India, the State Government is also stri-ving to bring a permanent so- lution to the law and order situation.

Unless the issue of law and order is addressed, one cannot expect growth in industry or opening employment avenues for the unemployed youth.

Retired NEC Member Madan Prasad Bezbaruah stated that only a thriving tourism industry can bring development and economic well being in Manipur.

To highlight the rich tourism potential of Manipur, people from different parts of the globe should be invited to Sangai festival, he opined.

Ministry of Tourism Additional Secretary Girish Shankar stated that some projects have been already sanctioned for Manipur which would help in developing tourism sector.

Marjing Polo Project as well as Kaina Project have been already sanctioned by the Government of India.

The Ministry would be in a position to sanction more tourism projects for Manipur next year.

Impressed with the tourism potential of Manipur, Girish noted that Imphal has created history by bringing an international flight in connection with the Sangai festival.

In his speech, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam remarked that participation of Myanmar, Thailand and Chinese delegations in the Sangai festival and successful organisation of the 7th Manipur International Polo was a landmark achievement.

Gaikhangam also expressed his satisfaction over healthy participation of cultural troupes coming from all districts of Manipur despite the ban announced by some organisations.

A mobile application titled "Manipur Jewel Land" based on tourism potential of Manipur developed by Cube-10 was also launched by Chief Minister.