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Imphal, Nov 18 (IANS) The Manipur government on Tuesday appealed to all citizens, especially internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by ethnic violence, and all stakeholders to extend full cooperation and support to ensure the grand success of the 10-day ‘Sangai Tourism Festival’.
Manipur Chief Secretary Punit Kumar Goyal, in an appeal, said that the Sangai Mahotsav to be held from November 21 to 30 is not just an event; This is “a collective affirmation of our commitment to move forward together and hence, your full support and participation will definitely help the state move forward”.
The Chief Secretary’s appeal comes after various organizations including the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), the apex civic body of the majority Meitei community, announced a statewide boycott of the Sangai Mahotsav-2025 “amid public dismay and the deepening humanitarian crisis in Manipur”.
Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in five to six districts of Imphal Valley announced to hold protests in their respective relief camps on Thursday (November 20) against the Sangai festival starting from November 21.
Rajendra Singh, vice president of the Meitei People’s Security Committee, said that the state government should focus on the rehabilitation of displaced people before organizing the festival. He said that the state government is going to organize the annual Sangai Tourism Festival after two years.
It would be better if the festival is organized after rehabilitation of IDPs and free movement on important highways, Singh told the media.
Chief Secretary Goyal said that the government reiterates that economic revival, tourism promotion, youth empowerment and community harmony are important pillars to bring Manipur back on the sustainable path of development. Sangai Mahotsav aims to realize these goals, he said, which will act as a catalyst for new hope, opportunity, economic growth and unity.
The State Government fully recognizes the intense hardship and suffering endured by civilians, especially IDPs.
Goyal said addressing the humanitarian crisis remains the government’s top priority, and important, concrete steps have been taken towards relief and long-term rehabilitation.
He said that currently, Rs 18 crore per month is being spent on providing monetary assistance to IDPs and managing relief camps across the state.
According to the Chief Secretary, Rs 523 crore has been provided by the Government of India under the special relief package, out of which Rs 180 crore has been earmarked for house restoration assistance to displaced families and Rs 250 crore for providing public assets such as health centres, community halls, water supply, schools etc. at the places where the IDPs will be resettled or rehabilitated.
He said that while the relief and rehabilitation of IDPs is a top priority for the state government, organizing the Sangai Mahotsav is also important for boosting economic growth and providing market connectivity to local artisans, entrepreneurs, craftsmen and farmers, promoting trade and investment. Goyal said that the government is taking forward major developmental projects to create jobs and increase ease of living.
Meanwhile, the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) in collaboration with the Department of Tourism organized “Sangai Run-2025” on Tuesday as a prelude to the upcoming Manipur Sangai Mahotsav-2025.
Home and Finance Commissioner N Ashok Kumar flagged off the event from Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal. Around 1,500 athletes took part in the race organized in three categories – 5 km fun run, 10 km fitness run and 25 km open and experienced competition.
The event also saw the presence of eminent sportspersons from Manipur, including Padma Shri, N. Kunjarani Devi, Olympian (weightlifting); Arjuna Awardee, L. Story (boxing); Padma Shri, Smt. O. bembem (football); ng. Sonia, Olympian (weightlifting); Dhang Award Winner, L. Anita Chanu (weightlifting) and Arjuna awardee, Chinglensa Kangujam, hockey Olympian.
Athletes who completed the race were honored and top finishers were awarded cash prizes and medals. Medals were also distributed to all the participants in the race.
–IANS
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