Imphal, March 15: With the Union Tourism Ministry spelling out the mantra to attract foreign tourists (read : don't harass foreign tourists) to the State Government, Tourism Minister K Govindas today said that his Department is set to promote sports tourism to attract visitors from across the world.

Speaking to media persons at his office chamber today, Govindas said that since the 10th Plan had not set aside any substantial fund for tourism in the North East, the State Govt recently submitted a proposal to the Centre adding that the proposal contained a number of schemes to be taken up to promote tourism in the State.

Responding to the proposals put forward by the State Government, Union Minister of State for Tourism, Renuka Choudhury recently wrote a letter to the State Government, informed Govindas and added that the Union Minister also gave the green signal to take up a number of schemes to attract foreign tourists.

With the Centre reacting positively, the State Govt has worked out a number of schemes to be implemented, said Govindas.

A second written intimation was also received from Renuka Choudhury, said Govindas adding that the second letter clearly mentioned that foreign tourists are harassed when they visit the North East.

The Union Minister made it clear that such practices will not only force foreign tourists to stay away from the North East region, but will also cast a bad image on the country, said Govindas.

To set things right, Renuka Choudhury suggested recruiting ex-ser- vice men as security escorts for foreign tourists, he further informed.

Govindas said that though the suggestion of the Union Minister is sound, it may not be possible for the State Govt to recruit ex-service men as security escorts for foreign tourists, due to the financial crunch besetting the State.

The onus of ensuring that tourists are not harassed rest on the shoulder of the public, said Govindas adding that there is the need to show case the beauty of Manipur to the outside world.

Asserting the need to attract foreign tourists to Manipurand the North East, Govindas noted with concern that the region has not been able to catch the eyes of the international travellers.

To help the region over come this set back, the State Government has urged the Centre to work out a common platform for the region.

Announcing that the State Government has mind several schemes to promote tourism, Govindas said that Manipur will lay stress on sports tourism and added that plans are on to build a water sports complex at Takmu.

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