‘Development of North East Circuit’ inaugurated in Manipur

Our Correspondent
Imphal, Aug. 14: The ‘Development of North East Circuit: Imphal and Khongjom’, the first project under centre’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme, was inaugurated at the historic Kangla in the heart of Imphal town on Tuesday.
Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla, Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Union Minister of state for Tourism (Independent Charge) KJ Alphons and Manipur ministers Th Biswajit, Karam Shyam, Letpao Haokip, Th Shyamkumar, Losii Dikho, V. Hangkhanlian, Nemcha Kipgen, Tourism Corporation of Manipur Ltd Chairman Dr Sapam Ranjan attended the inaugural function.

MLAs and high ranking officials of the government of India and government of Manipur also attended the function.
In her speech at the function, Governor Dr Heptulla maintained that thousands of tourists visit France to witness the war memorials. Similar number of tourists would also come to Imphal if the the capital city of Imphal is made a tourist destination. In World War-II, two fiercest and significant battles were fought – one in

France where Hitler was defeated and another in Imphal/Kohima, she said. Moreover, Indian National Army flag was hoisted for the first time on the Indian soil at Moirang during World War-II.

At the same time Manipur is the birthplace of modern polo and Nat Sankirtana had been included in the UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, she said. Ima market, which has around 4000 women vendors, is the largest women’s market in the world.

In terms of connectivity, the governor said that several airline companies had introduced direct flights between Imphal and New Delhi.
On the other hand Tourism Minister Alphons said that the North East has been neglected for a long time. However, the North East States and particularly Manipur is finally taking off towards development with the coming of new governments at the centre and the state.

Stating that 2017 was a very good year for tourism sector of the country, the Minister said that India is now one of the fastest growing tourism economies of the world.

In his speech, Chief Minister N Biren Singh appealed to the people of the state for creating an environment conducive for the growth of tourism sector.
Biren also expressed hope that completion of the project would attract more visitors and cater to the needs of travellers who wish to learn more about the history of the old kingdom of Manipur, informing that the State Government had submitted new proposals for potential projects which can be taken up under Swadesh Darshan 2018-19.