IMPHAL, February 8: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said both the government and the public have responsibilities towards strengthening the Shumang Leela theatre form.
Speaking at the concluding function of the 12th Shumang Leela Ningtham Kumhei at the Manipur State Shumang Leela Shanglen today, the Chief Minister stressed on the impact of the art form on society, and said Shumang Leela has helped the society immensely.
The festival was organised by the Manipur State Shumang Leela Council.
The Chief Minister also provided assurances to consider providing the land, where the Iboyaima Shumang leela Shanglen stands, on lease to the Shumang Leela Council and provision of a recurring grant-in-aid so that senior shumang leela artistes are paid a monthly pension.
Today’s function was also attended by Manipur Legislative Assembly speaker Th Lokeshore Singh and MLA K Ranjit who is also the Manipur State Shumang Leela Council advisor as president and guest of honour respectively.