IMPHAL: Curtain-raiser of the Manipur Sangai Festival was held here on Sunday near the Keibul Lamjao National Park in Bishnupur district."People in the state will not face any difficult in earning their livelihood if tourism flourishes in the state," chief minister N Biren Singh said at the event. "For that to happen, the state needs to show to the world that it is a peaceful place. No tourist wishes to visit a troubled state," he added.The 10-day festival is expected to host over 50,000 people - including leaders, policy-makers, industry experts, business delegates, exhibitors and tourists from more than 20 countries. President Ram Nath Kovind will inaugurate the festival on Tuesday."With the new government's initiative, the people of Keibul Lamjao will witness the Sangai festival near the original habitat of the Sangai," Biren said. The Keibul Lamjao park, the biggest floating park in the world, is home to the brow antlered deer, locally known as Sangai."This year onwards, programmes of the Sangai festival will be compulsorily held at Keibul Lamjao," the chief minister said. He sought the cooperation of villagers and urged them to make the visitors feel at home during the festival."The new government aspires to preserve the state's history while, at the same time, creating history with its accomplishments," Biren said.

Stay updated with all the Latest Imphal headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.