Sangai Festival 2014 commences
CM calls for inclusion of Manipur in tourist map of the globe
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 21 2014 : Chief Minister O Ibobi while inaugurating the much-awaited Sangai Festival 2014 today at Bheigyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT) made a fervent appeal to the people to maintain peace in the region devoid of any violence and include the State of Manipur in the tourist map of the globe.

The 10-day long festival being organized by Tourism Department, Government of Manipur will be held at Hapta Kangjeibung and BOAT.

Speaking as chief guest, Ibobi conceded that the government has been developing infrastructure in tourist sites situated in different parts of the State, while calling upon the people to make the State a secure place for tourists and hub of tourism.

Tourists from different foreign countries are visiting the State to take part in the ongoing festival.

It is important to make them feel free and secure during their stay in the State.

In doing so, they would feel content and as a result of it, more tourists would visit the State, the CM asserted.

Sangai Festival 2014 commences

Noting that the State would be considered as strategically located region once the Look East Policy is implemented, Ibobi pointed out that travelling from Kolkata to Kunming in China in flight takes around two and half hours but it takes only one and half hours when travel from Imphal.

Maintenance of friendly relationship with neighboring countries like Myanmar and Thailand is necessary to expand business trade with them.

Many Polo teams from different foreign countries are also going to participate in the International Polo Tournament to be held during the festival which is a good sign, he said.

Acknowledging that the State is blessed with natural scenic beauty having vast potential to become a hub of tourism, the CM exuded confidence that tourism in the State would be flourished once peace is maintained.

Ibobi went on to say that there would be hindrance in bringing in development if there is no peace in the region.

Attending as special guest, Chief Minister of Chin Region of Myanmar, U Hong Ngai expressed gratitude over warm welcome accorded to delegates upon their arrival in the State to take part in the ongoing festival.

He stated that several delegates from the country had participated in last year edition of Sangai Festival, while adding that India and Myanmar are maintaining good border trade which is vital from perspective of both the countries.

Health Minister Phunzathang Tonsing; Parliamentary Secretary (Tourism), M Prithviraj and MP Bez Baruah, Member of North East Council (NEC) were also present at the occasion as president and guests of honor respectively.

Ministers from different regions of Myanmar also attended the inauguration function.

During the 10-day Sangai Festival, cultural performances would be showcased every day.

Varieties of stalls comprising of handloom, handicraft, food etc are being opened at Hapta Kangjeibung which is the main venue of the festival.

Tight security measures are also being taken up to ensure that no untoward incident took place during the festival.