Imphal, Dec 13 (Reuters) – Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla addressed the audience on Saturday at the fourth Barak Festival in Zeilipou, a Naga‑dominated area of Senapati district. He said the gathering reflects a shared identity, unity and a lasting bond among the many communities that call the Barak River home, noting that the river itself links people across the region.
Speaking at the state‑level Barak Festival‑2025, which carried the theme “Heritage in Harmony,” Bhalla highlighted Senapati’s lush landscapes, cultural variety and strong tourism prospects. He stressed that festivals like this showcase local traditions while encouraging sustainable travel and boosting the economy, urging residents to safeguard their diverse heritage.
The governor also noted that President Droupadi Murmu visited Senapati district last Friday and was struck by its natural beauty. She praised the area’s strategic position on National Highway 2, seeing it as a gateway to Manipur and a growing destination for eco‑and experiential tourism.
During the ceremony, Bhalla announced that the North Eastern Council had approved an 8.46‑crore‑rupee Tourist Circuit Development project in several villages aimed at improving tourism infrastructure and enhancing local livelihoods.
Emphasizing environmental stewardship, the governor welcomed the recent Barak River Cleanliness Drive, praised the volunteers, and called on the young people to preserve cultural heritage and lead future conservation efforts.
He added that while the state government will continue to provide full support, the community’s active involvement is essential. The Barak Festival, he said, will shine a light on the river’s cultural, ecological and economic importance.
Together with the First Lady, the governor toured the various Morungs set up across the venue, each showcasing different ethnic traditions and the region’s vibrant diversity. He also unveiled the 2025 Barak Festival monolith, witnessed traditional stone‑pulling, sample local cuisines, and heard the customary horn blowing.
The festivities featured energetic dance performances that highlighted the customs of several communities. Attendees included MLA Losii Dikho, an NPO president, senior civil officials, police, Assam Rifles representatives, and enthusiastic local residents.
Meanwhile, President Murmu spent Friday talking after inaugurating several development projects in Senapati. She received a warm welcome at a Naga village and, before heading to the district headquarters, met with internally displaced persons currently residing in relief camps, extending her support to those affected by recent ethnic tensions.
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