The Manipur Sangai Festival, 2013 will be inaugurated tomorrow afternoon by Paban Singh Ghatowar, Union MoS (in-charge), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region at Hafta Kangjeibung and BOAT in the presence of a respectable list of dignitaries that include two chief ministers from Myanmar, U Ye Myint of Mandalay Region and U Thar Aye of Sagaing Region; High Commissioner of Mauritius, Dr AK Jagessur and representing the host, Chief Minister of Manipur Okram Ibobi, his deputy Gaikhangam and ministers. Before its culmination on November 30, the ten-day extravaganza will feature cultural items, indigenous games, musical instruments performances by troupes from different communities of Manipur as well as cultural performances by troupes from Sikkim, Assam, Myanmar and Thailand.
For minimization of public discomfort during the festival, the administration must keep an open eye for prevention and prompt rectification of lapses that is bound to surface from time to time due to lack of coordination between the organizers and different government apparatus thus leading to chaotic situation. For instance, one of the first casualties has been the passenger vehicle service, particularly those plying along Sanjenthong. Due to unavailability of specific instructions from the authorities, till late evening today, confused passengers were left stranded at many points as terminus and alternate routes for the autorickshaws service, a major component of intra-city and inter village commutation, have not been identified. At the same, the emphasis put on easy thoroughfare to the main venue Hafta Kangjeibung, has eased the Sanjenthong to Konung Mamang Traffic Island segment as was planned, but has shifted the pressure of vehicular movement to other streets.
The smooth organisation of the festival is a prestige question for each and every one of us. Thus, the government can depend on everyone including the press to be supportive in its suggestions and comments. Whether or not the press agree with any particular decision on the operation of the event by the organisers is irrelevant to its sincere support for the success of the event. Everyone acknowledge the fact that the organisers sit in harm’s way, performing their duties for the state. We thank them for doing so. Correspondingly, the organizers should work to protect the interest of the state and should not ask for personal recognition.