Imphal, Nov 30 (NationPress) Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla addressed the ongoing efforts of the state government aimed at enhancing the tourism potential through strategic initiatives and significant infrastructure development.

During the closing ceremony of the 12th Manipur Sangai Tourism Festival-2025 at Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre in Imphal, the Governor emphasized that this year's festival concluded with a spirit of unity and cultural pride, despite the challenges encountered.

He remarked that the festival served as a crucial outreach platform, uniting tourism stakeholders from both national and international arenas.

The Governor also pointed out that the festival's varied activities, ranging from the Sangai Film Festival to traditional sports events, showcased the vibrancy of Manipuri culture, arts, and communal spirit. Bhalla expressed his appreciation for the collaboration of different departments and the people of Manipur, noting that their combined efforts facilitated a seamless festival experience while reinforcing its message of unity and resilience.

This event marked the end of the eagerly awaited return of the state's leading cultural and tourism showcase, which had been on hold for two years due to ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023. The 10-Day Manipur Sangai Tourism Festival-2025 celebrated the essence of the state, known as the 'Festival of Oneness', highlighting its rich indigenous heritage through dance, music, crafts, and traditional sports.

At the closing ceremony, students from the Government Dance College delivered a mesmerizing choreographed performance that conveyed a powerful message of unity and exemplified the state's rich cultural heritage.

In attendance were Manipur Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, Chief Security Advisor to the state government Kuldiep Singh, the Advocate General, GOC 3 Corps, senior state government officials, civil, police, and military officers, along with members of the public.

Prior to the commencement of the 10-day Sangai Tourism Festival, which was inaugurated at Hapta Kangjeibung in Imphal on November 21, various groups of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) and several Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), including the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an umbrella body of several Meitei civil society organizations, had called for a cease-work strike and urged the public to boycott the festival, organizing a series of protests.

During the festival, clashes erupted in Imphal East district, resulting in injuries to several police personnel and IDPs as security forces intervened to prevent large groups from returning to their homes from relief camps. The use of lathi-charges and tear gas by the forces led to injuries among participants.

A spokesperson for the IDPs mentioned that the organization of the annual Sangai Tourism Festival from November 21 to 30 implies that normalcy has returned to their areas, hence they should be permitted to return home instead of remaining in relief camps.