IMPHAL, November 16: Contrary to the statement of the United Naga Council urging all Nagas not to participate in the forthcoming Manipur Sangai festival in Imphal, sources have confirmed participation of several cultural troupes from the hill districts of the state in the festival.
A recent UNC press statement had advised all individuals and tribes to stay away from the state sponsored Sangai festival and other such programmes.
The state Dy Chief Minister Gaikhangam had criticized the UNC’s statement as unfortunate.
Asked about his take on UNC’s statement, the state Dy Chief Minister and the Home Minister had said that the statement was unfortunate and had further added that though he cannot stop anyone from expressing his or her opinion, he believed that the people are wise enough to understand the issue and not to listen to such unfortunate statements.
Meanwhile, reliable sources close to the organizing committee of the festival have informed IFP that contrary to the UNC decree, representatives of tribes including from the Naga nomenclature will be taking part in the 10 day long Manipur Sangai Festival from November 21 to 30.
Tribal cultural troupes will be performing at the festival where one day each has been dedicated to each of the five hills district of the state starting from the third day of the festival.
November 23 has been dedicated to Senapati, November 24 to Tamenglong, November 25 to Churachandpur, November 26 to Chandel and November 27 to Ukhrul.
Sources also claimed that confirmation for participation in the extravaganza from private firms and agencies that will be opening stalls during the festival have also started reaching the organizing committee.
The cultural programmes for the extravaganza will be specifically handled by the state Arts and Culture department. There will also be a 20 member cultural team and a stall from Thailand, sources informed.
The festival has been organized with a total cost of Rs 2 crore – Rs 1.50 crore from the Ministry of Tourism, GOI and Rs 50 lakhs from the state government.
Construction of the stalls for the festival which will have 500 stalls will be handled by the Directorate of Commerce and Industries for which Rs 30 lakhs have been allotted. Rs 30 lakhs have been allotted to the Arts and Culture department for the preparation of the cultural programmes, while Rs 5 lakhs have been sanctioned for the Youth Affairs and Sports department, the Manipur Mountaneering and Trekking Association has been allotted with Rs 25 lakhs for the adventure sports, informed sources.
The inaugural function will be attended by the Dy Chief Minister Gaikhangam as chief guest. The function will also be attended by Olympic medal winner MC Mary Kom. Royal Thai Embassy Minister Counsellor (Commercial) TharadolThongruang will attended the function as special guest.
The closing function of the festival on November 30 will be attended by the state Governor GurbachanJagat as chief guest and Chief Minister OkramIbobi Singh as president.
Sources have also informed that tight security arrangements will be taken up to thwart any attempts to disrupt the festival. Vehicle parking will be provided at three different locations.