Manipur’s future lies in tourism: Biren

Imphal: Manipur’s future lies in the tourism sector and so the state government has been putting in every effort to bring positive change in the state, chief minister N. Biren Singh said at the celebration of World Tourism Day held at Maibam Lotpa Ching, Nambol Bishnupur district on Tuesday.

The celebration was organised by the department of Tourism under the theme “Rethinking Tourism”.

The government is developing more tourist circuits across the state so as to attract tourists. The state has uniqueness in terms of scenic beauty, climatic conditions, culture, tradition etc. The 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, Biren said.

Kangkhui cave and Tharon cave will be opened for tourists soon. The government is constructing a 5-star hotel at the Old High Court Complex in partnership with Tata group, he added.

Biren highlighted that with an aim to promote the traditional ‘Sagol Kangjei’ and encourage Sagol Kangjei players and pony breeders, the government will organise Chief Minister’s Sagol Kangjei Tournament in the upcoming Sangai Festival 2022.

Stating that it is the responsibility of the government to work for the welfare and well-being of the people, the chief minister said the government has taken up various initiatives such as improving air and surface connectivity in the last 5 years to boost the tourism sector.

Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, NorthEast India has been transformed and has become India’s growth engine. The central government has withdrawn the special allowances to All India Services officers working in the Northeastern region recently. Such a step shows that the law and order situation has been improved and peace has been restored in the region, he added.

The government has tied up with Samsung Company for establishing 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. He hoped that such initiative will help further towards producing many world class athletes, the chief minister said.

Education minister Th. Basanta Kumar Singh, Tourism Corporation of Manipur Limited chairman Karam Shyam, MLAs Y. Radheshyam, Sapam Kunjakeswor, LDA chairman M. Asnikumar, administrative secretaries and officials of the Tourism department attended the function.