Imphal, May 16, 2017 (DIPR): Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh inaugurated the five-day Shirui 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 wherein hundreds of people from across the State took part with great enthusiasm despite incessant rain.
Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh graced the joyous occasion as the chief guest and Forest and Environment Minister Shri Th Shyamkumar as the president.
Speaking at the occasion, Shri N. 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.
In addition, another Rs 15 crore would be sought from NEC for the development of other infrastructures, he added.
Moreover, Kangkhui cave, which is already a popular tourist destination of the district, would be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 4-5 crore, he said.
The Chief Minister contended that a new Government had come into being in the State to deliver due justice to the people which they have not been getting since the past many years.
The Chief Minister announced that Shirui Festival would be celebrated from May 16 every year.
Observing that action is required rather than making rhetoric statements, Shri N. Biren confided that bringing egalitarian development to all parts of the State is the objective of the new Government.
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”.
The Narendra Modi-led Central Government always lends his hand to bring development in the State. As such, the State should not miss this golden opportunity, he added.
The Chief Minister also stated that his Govt is committed to translate all the promises made earlier into action.
During the function, he also released a book entitled, ‘Brief Introduction to Shirui Kashong: Abode of Shirui Lily’ authored by Philasan Shangh Shimray.
Later in the afternoon, Shri N Biren flagged off the Shirui Lily Grand Prix competition, organised as part of the festival.
Speaking at the occasion, Forest and Environment Minister Shri Th Shyamkumar expressed concern that Ukhrul does not look green unlike past. As such, the State Government would put in effort to rekindle greenery in the district, and in the process the rare Shirui Lily can also be protected.
Public Health Engineering Minister Shri Losii Dikho, Parliamentary Secretary (Tourism) Dr. Sapam Ranjan, Parliamentary Secretary (MAHUD) Shri N. Indrajit, Parliamentary Secretary (IFC) Shri L. Rameshwor Meetei, Parliamentary Secretary (Home) Shri L. Sushindro, Parliamentary Secretary (Transport, Planning) Shri Khasim Vashum, Parliamentary Secretary (Agriculture, Works) Shri Awangbow Newmai, Parliamentary Secretary (PHE, Horticulture) Shri K. Leishiyo and MLAs Shri Y. Surchandra, Shri S. Bira, Shri O. Lukhoi and Shri Ngamthang Haokip were also present at the function as the guests of honour.
Moreover, Minister Counsellor of Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi, Shri Tharadol Thongruang and NEC Secretary Shri Ramnganing Muivah, top civil and police officials and Chief Minister Shri N. Biren’s wife Smt. N. Hiyainu also attended the occasion as special guests.
On behalf of the organisers, Tangkhul portraits were presented to the dignitaries by Secretary (Tourism) Shri N. Ashok Kumar, IAS before the function began with the opening Shirui Lily song entitled, ‘Goddess of all Goddesses’, composed by late CM Piyo. Later, declamation prayer for Princess Shirui Lily was performed by Ms. Khanyalian Zimik.
It may be mentioned that different programmes like cultural items of different communities of the State, modern music, rock and fashion shows etc would be organised at three different venues viz. Tangkhul Naga Long ground (Ukhrul), Pakshi ground (Ukhrul) and Vangayan ground (Shirui village) (DIPR)
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