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Tangkhul girls performing a dance depicting the Shirui lily during the inauguration function of teh 5 day Shirui Lily Festival at shirui village, 100km north of Imphal on May 16[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Shirui, May 16 (EMN): Chief Minister N. Biren Singh inaugurated the five day Shirui lily Festival, 2017 amidst dazzling display of cultural items and modern art and music today. The colourful opening function was held at Vangayan ground, Shirui village in Urkhul district,about 100 km north of Imphal wherein hundreds of people from across the State took part with great enthusiasm despite incessant rain.
Chief Minister Biren Singh graced the joyous occasion as the chief guest and Forest and Environment Minister Th Shyamkumar as the president.Speaking at the occasion, Biren said that the Tangkhuls, once known as head hunters, have now become the soul hunters of the State. He said that the State is now approaching to a new Manipur which does not have any differentiation on the lines of caste, religion, rich and poor.
The Chief Minister said that he is happy to learn that Shirui villagers are ready to donate the village land for use in the works meant for protection of the endangered Shirui Lily.
Stating that every citizen of the State should encourage and appreciate this bold step of the villagers, Shri N. Biren Singh announced that Rs 5 crore had been included in the State Budget for the construction of a guest house, road expansion, a public gathering house and cafes etc. to attract domestic and foreign tourists to the village.
The Chief Minister announced that Shirui Festival would be celebrated from May 16 every year.
He also observed that tranquillity would be restored only when there is good rapport between the Government and people.
He promised, “We will work for the welfare of the people, we will work as per the aspirations and wishes of the people”. During the function, he also released a book entitled, ‘Brief Introduction to Shirui Kashong: Abode of Shirui Lily’ authored by Philasan Shangh Shimray.