State organises first tourism festival

Imphal, Nov 7: A four-day tourism festrival for promotion of travelling in Manipur began with a call to withdraw restriction of entry on foreigners.

The organisers, Manipur Tourism department, Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking Association, Seven Sisters Tourism Services and others, said yesterday that due to restrictions imposed on the state by the Union government no foreigner could come since Manipur became a part of Indian union in 1949.

The festival would continue till November nine.

State governor Dr SS Sidhu said the tourism was the fastest track for socio-economic development and the festival, first of its kind, aimed at to showcasing the state to the travellers.

At the main function at Lamdan, Churachandpur, where adventure sports potentiality was projected.

General obstacle adventure, rock climbing exhibitions were organised and a caving expedition was launched at Tharon cave, Tamenglong district.

Indigenous games like Mukna, polo, Arambai and Mukna Kangjei would be organised. About 50 exhibition stalls displaying tourism releated items were opened at the Mapal Kangjeibung, Imphal.

Jet Airways has announced special package for all flights coming to Manipur till November 9.

Special cultural items representing the mosaic culture of Manipur will be displayed tonight at the Mapal Kangjeibung.

State tourism minister TN Haokip said charity begins at home hence the festival was concentrated to the people of the state so that one could understand each other.

UNI