Imphal, November 25, 2017 (DIPR): Chief Minister Shri N. Biren graced the exhibition match played between the women football teams of Mandalay and Manipur as the Chief Guest at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium today.
Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Shri Letpao Haokip, Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution Minister Shri Karam Shyam, ISPE-MYDA Director Principal Shri U. Myo Myint Aung and State Level Committee for Actualisation of Act East Policy Convenor Shri RK Shivachandra, MLAs, top civil and police officers were also present.
Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister Shri N. Biren said that the exhibition match was organised to enhance people-to-people contact between the two neighbouring countries on the backdrop of Government of India’s Act East Policy.
Expressing his resentment over harassing some North East youths during an ISL match at Chennai some days back, the Chief Minister said that he had written to the authority concerned to look into the matter.
He said that the Government is trying to promote Manipur’s hospitality, culture and scenic beauty to the world through Manipur Sangai Festival.
The Chief Minister also expressed pleasure on receiving good and positive responses/comments from the visitors who had visited the State during the festival, and also from the delegates who had taken part in the recently concluded North East Development Summit.
Shri N. Biren further said that an interaction between the journalists of Myanmar and Manipur would be held on November 27 and 28.
Shri U. Shri Myo Myint Aung while speaking at the friendly match said that such initiatives would bring better relation between Manipur and Mandalay.
On behalf of Mandalay people and Government, Shri U. Myo Myint Aung invited Chief Minister Shri N. Biren and the people of Manipur to visit Mandalay to attend similar friendly matches to be played between Manipur and Mandalay on January 26 and 27 next year.
In his speech, YAS Minister Shri Letpao Haokip said that as many as 75 top players of the State are currently taking part in different National and International tournaments, Manipur team appeared weaker when compared with the Mandalay team in today’s match.
However, the Government would try to send maximum number of top players of the State for the friendly matches to be organised next month in Mandalay. (DIPR)
