The second edition of the five-day state level Shirui Lily Festival concluded on Saturday evening at the Tangkhul Naga Long Ground at this beautiful hill town, 84 km north east of Imphal.
Public Works Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh was the Chief Guest of the closing ceremony which was held across three major venues including TNL ground and Bakshi ground both in Ukhrul town and Shirui village, 100 km north east of Imphal.
Manipur Tourism Corporation Ltd, Chairman Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh, MLAs Awangbou Newmai(Tamei), Khashim Vashum (Chingai), K Leishiyo(Phungyar) and other government officials attended.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Minister Biswajit who holds power, commerce and industries portfolio said that the Shirui Lily has now become a gift from the Almighty to bring an emotional bonding amongst us all and today we are gathered here for this emotional bonding.
He said that there can be no development without peace. “We may have different religion, ideologies, but we all belong to one human race. So we must clear the misunderstandings amongst us and bridge the existing gap,” says minister Biswajit while explaining the need to encourage regional cooperation and unity.
Explaining the importance of the Shirui festivals in promoting cultural bonding and tourism and utilize our untapped resources.
Ukhrul draws a huge number of talented youth and young entrepreneurs and it is time to promote them. With an initiative idea of the Prime Minister and supportive will of the Chief Minister, the Government will launch the “Go to the Village” mission on May 1 to reach out to the untouched remote villages of the State.
Regarding the Power Sector, Biswajit said that the department has a toll free number 1912 through which consumers can make any complaints regarding power supply.
In his speech, Tamei MLA Awangbow said that they’ve witnessed many festivals being observed or celebrated in different parts of the State; however these festivals were enjoyed by only a section of the society. Chingai MLA Khashim Vashum also spoke on the occasion.