Roads deserted but Sangai fest abuzz with crowds
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 30 2014 : The 24-hour public curfew imposed by CorCom and the 24-hour general strike clamped by Maoist Communist Party in connection with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit severely affected normal life in the State today.

However, a substantial number of people somehow reached the Hapta Kangjei-bung to witness the closing ceremony of the 10-day annual festival.

All major roads remained empty and shops and business establishments closed in the four valley districts.

The twin capital districts of Imphal East and Imphal West witnessed heavy deployment of State forces and Central paramilitary forces.

During the stir, all passenger and private vehicles stayed off the roads.

All the three Ima markets and other business establishments and shops in Paona Bazar and Thangal Bazar also remained closed.

However, some Government, private and security vehicles were seen plying on some streets of Imphal.

The State Government deployed a large number of security personnel on all the major roads and strategic points of Imphal East and Imphal West to prevent any untoward incident.

A deserted street of Imphal city; Enthusiastic crowd enjoying the closing ceremony of Sangai fest

Police also put up barricades on the roads which lead to Manipur Sangai Festival venue from Tulihal airport.

No untoward incident has been reported till the filing of this report.

On the other hand, a large number of enthusiastic visitors, somehow, gathered at Manipur Sangai Festival venue on the concluding day.

From early afternoon, many people were seen standing in long queues to get inside Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT) where Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the valedictory function of the 10-day annual tourism festival.

However, many people could not get inside BOAT as the theatre was already full.

Their woes were further compounded by tight security arrangement put in place for the Prime Minister's visit.

Even many media persons, who had security passes issued by CID SP, were not allowed to move inside the open air theatre after 2 pm.

On the other hand, except for a few, most of the media persons were not allowed to carry cameras inside the closing function venue citing security reasons.

As such, they could take the videos and photographs of the function attended by Narendra Modi.

Till 7 pm, a large crowd, though smaller than the crowds visible on the two previous evenings, was seen standing in queues to have a last glimpse of this year's Manipur Sangai Festival.