Orange fest concludes amid boycott call
Source: The Sangai Express

Tamenglong, December 18 2012: Despite the call issued by the ANSAM and ZYF to abstain from attending the orange festival, over hundred orange growers from across the Tamenglong district turned up today to mark its conclusion.

The Naga student bodies imposed the boycott on the ground that the State Government is using State sponsored programmes as a medium for propagating anti-Naga agenda.

While the second day of the festival was celebrated amid fanfare and tight security, police foiled the attempt of the volunteers of ANSAM and ZYF to bury the effigy ash of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh.

Meanwhile, speaking to some journalists during the festival, orange growers expressed their discontentment stating that the festival is the only platform to showcase their produces on a big platform.

Altogether 232 stalls were opened during the festival.

As announced earlier, volunteers of the two agitating student bodies turned up today morning at the martyr's park to bury the ashes collected from the burnt effigy of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi.

However their attempt was foiled by a team of Tamenglong police led by its Additional SP.

Speaking during the concluding festival as the chief guest, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh stated Oranges not only serve as a source of income but also provides employment avenue with huge tourism potential.

The Chief Minister and Dy CM inspect a stall at the Orange fest

Delivering his presidential address, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam termed oranges as a blessing for Tamenglong district adding that the fruit is like a kitchen garden abundantly grown indigenously.

Noting the importance and potential of the fruit, he exhorted the farmers to put in more labour and use scientific approach to ensure that oranges can become commercially viable for exports.

Gaikhangam attributed the farmer's labour for the success and continuity of the Orange festival despite the epidemic that nearly wiped out orange plants during the recent years.

Gaikhangam further urged all to refrain from violence adding that peace and harmony is the only key to development.

"There is no room for violence.

Bandh and blockade only lead to loss.

If there are any differences it can be settled amicably through dialogue", said Gaikhangam.

The best orange grower award was bagged by Tashibou from Phelong village who received a cash award of Rs 1,50,000 while Pouganglung of Dulon village was awarded with the second place along with cash award of Rs 1 lakh and third place was bagged by Elkin Panmei of Ajuram village.

Olympic bronze medallist and five time world champion MC Mary Kom also attended the festival as special invitees.

The festival witnessed participation of legislators and top bureaucrats.

Parliamentary Secretary, Vungjagin Valte; Tamei MLA Z Kikhonbou Newmai; Tamenglong MLA, Janghemlung Panmei; Sagolband MLA RK Imo, Hiyanglam MLA M Kunjo and Wangoi MLA, O Lukhoi were among the legislators present.

Chief Secretary Manipur, DS Poonia, Major Gen KK Sinha, GOC 57 Mountain Division, Tamenglong DC C Arthur W, Tousem SDO Armstrong Pame were some of the bureaucrats present.

The festival was marked by colourful performances of cultural dances from different tribes and musical extravanza.