CM treasures peace, vows spruce-up of tourism sector
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, September 27 2022: Maintaining that the future of Manipur lies in tourism sector, chief minister N Biren Singh has said that the government has been putting in every effort to bring positive changes in the state.

Speaking at the celebration of World Tourism Day organised by Department of Tourism under the theme 'Rethinking Tourism' at Maibam Lotpa Ching, Nambol on Tuesday, N Biren maintained that the government is developing more tourist circuits across the state so as to attract tourists.

Highlighting the state's uniqueness in terms of scenic beauty, climatic conditions, culture, tradition, etc., he said the state government has started developing many tourist spots including Sangai Ethnic Park at Moirang Khunou, the 120 feet tall Sagol Kangjei statue at Marjing, Heritage site at Makhel, Rani Gaidinliu Museum, Cultural Centre at Behiang, amusement parks at various places, etc.

Kangkhui cave and Tharon cave will be opened to tourists soon, he revealed, while adding that the government is constructing a 5 star hotel at the erstwhile High Court complex in partnership with Tata group.

He further said that with an aim to promote 'Sagol Kangjei' and encourage players of the traditional polo game and pony breeders, the government will organise Chief Minister's Sagol Kangjei Tournament as part of the upcoming Sangai Festival 2022.The CM said that the government has taken up various initiatives such as improving air and surface connectivity in the last 5 years to boost the tourism sector.

While noting that under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, North East India has been transformed and has become India's growth engine, Biren opined that the recent decision of the central government to withdraw special allowances to All India Services officers working in the North eastern region testifies improvement in law and order situation and restoration of peace in the region.

N Biren further said that the government has tied up with Samsung Company for setting up a world class training facility for sportspersons.

Under the initiative, a virtual training zone will be developed for disciplines like football, boxing, judo, badminton, hockey and archery in the first phase, he added, while expressing hope that such initiative will help further towards producing many world class athletes.

Stating that carrying heavy school bags by young students is like torturing them, the CM said that he had discussed with the education minister in this regard and necessary measures will be taken up.

He also affirmed that the government will never do anything that will be detrimental to interest of the people.

Meanwhile, education minister Th Basanta Kumar Singh said that 'World Tourism Day' is being celebrated since 1980 and urged all to make tourism as a vehicle for sustainable development in the state.

While contending out that the government has taken up several innovative schemes, he said that the number of tourists visiting the state has increased due to improvement in law and order.

In his address, Tourism Corporation of Manipur Limited chairman and Langthabal MLA Karam Shyam maintained that the government will try to organise World Tourism Day extravagantly from next year.

Instead of spending money on other activities, he appealed to the youth in particular to invest in tourist.

Manipur will surely be developed if tourism sector is developed and tourism will shape the future of the younger generations, he added.

The celebration was also attended by MLAs Y Radheshyam, Sapam Kunjakeswor, LDA chairman M Asnikumar, administrative secretaries and officials of the Tourism Department.

Meanwhile, Manipur Tourism Development Society celebrated World Tourism Day at Evento Lounge located at Pangei Nepali Basti with president Yurembam Iboyaima presiding over the event while Institute of Development Studies (IDS), Manipur and Reasoning Coaching Institute (RCI), Imphal jointly celebrated the Day at conference hall of RCI located at Khagempalli Panthak.

The celebration was attended by IDS chairman Prof N Mohendro Singh, RCI managing director Nicolson Ahanthem, CCDU retired director Rk Dilip and CBWE government of India retired director W Iboyaima as presidium members.

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