Our Correspondent
IMPHAL, Nov. 21(EMN): President of India Ram Nath Kovind accompanied by Governor Dr Najma Heptulla, Chief Minister Pema Khandu of Arunachal Pradesh,Chief Minister N Biren of Manipur, Chief Minister TR Zeliang of Nagaland and Union tourism minister of state(Independent in charge) K Alphons inaugurated the the much awaited 8th edition of the Manipur Sangai Festival, an annual tourism event at the well attended colourful Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT) in Imphal on Tuesday evening.
The 10-day festival that begins on Tuesday, seeks to showcase the best of what the state has to offer in terms of art, culture, handloom, handicrafts as well as fine arts, besides promoting Manipur as a potential tourist destination.
Speaking on the occasion, President of India Kovind said Manipur is India’s window to south east Asian countries to take up the Act East Policy. President also hoped that the centre and states partnership for development projects will bear fruits.
Earlier President also inaugurated the 2-day North-East Development Summit,the first of its kind with the active participation of many foreign envoys and other investors at the city convention hall in Imphal.
Earlier President Kovind accompanied by first lady and Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal was accorded a warm welcome by Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla, Chief Minister N Biren Singh led state officials at the Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal around 11.30 am.
President is expected to visit the historic Indian National Army War Memorial at Moirang,45 km south of Imphal prior to his departure for New Delhi on Nov. 22.
