Manipur Guv highlights govt’s push to boost tourism through strategic promotion, infra projects
Imphal, Nov 30 (LatestNewsX) – Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla spoke at the closing ceremony of the 12th Manipur Sangai Tourism Festival‑2025, which took place at the Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT). He praised the state government’s ongoing efforts to boost tourism through focused promotion and key infrastructure projects.
“The festival wrapped up on a day of unity and cultural pride, even with the hurdles we faced,” the Governor said. He highlighted how the event drew tourism professionals from across India and abroad, serving as a vital outreach platform.
Bhalla pointed out that the program’s variety—from the Sangai Film Festival to traditional sports—showcased the vitality of Manipuri arts, athletics and community spirit. He thanked government departments and the people of Manipur for their cooperation, noting that their joint work ensured a seamless event that reinforced messages of unity and resilience.
The festival marked the return of the state’s flagship cultural and tourism showcase after a two‑year pause caused by the violence that erupted on May 3, 2023. Running for ten days, the event—styled as the “Festival of Oneness”—celebrated Manipur’s rich indigenous heritage through dance, music, crafts and traditional sports.
During the finale, performers from the Government Dance College delivered a stirring routine that spoke of unity and reflected the state’s rich cultural tapestry. The ceremony was attended by Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, Chief Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, the Advocate General, the GOC of 3 Corps, senior officials from civil, police and military services, and members of the public.
In the lead‑up to the ten‑day celebration, which began on November 21 at Hapta Kangjeibung in Imphal, several Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and civil society groups—including the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI)—called for a “cease‑work strike,” urging people to boycott the festival and staging protests.
Clashes erupted on multiple days in Imphal East district when residents from Ekou, Dolaithabi, and Yengkhuman—currently housed in relief camps—tried to return to their homes, only to be stopped by security forces. Police used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowds, resulting in injuries among both IDPs and officers.
An IDP spokesperson noted that with the festival in motion from November 21 to 30, normalcy was believed to be restored in affected areas, and demanded that displaced residents be allowed to return home rather than stay in relief camps.
— sc/uk
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