By R Lester Makang
UKHRUL, May 2: Ukhrul deputy commissioner, Modak Hrishikesh on Thursday said that Khangkhui Mangsor (cave) has great potential to boost tourism in the district, adding that the heritage should be developed to attract tourists from around the world.
DC Hrishikesh attended a one day cultural cum interaction program of Veikhang area villages as one of the special invitees at Khangkhui Mangsor on May 1.
The program held under the theme `Common Journey of Hope & Vision`, was hosted by Veikhang Katamnao Long under the aegis of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) with the objective of fostering people to people relationship, unity and understanding amonst Tangkhul community members.
Calling upon the denizens of the district to preserve the natural resources and ecosystem, Modak exuded hope that developing Khangkhui Mangsor at par with those in other parts of the country would bring in tourists not only from India but from abroad as well.
“In such way, the job prospects of local youth could also be improved,” he said while assuring that the district administration is always with the people in providing employment to the youth of the district.
Giving the keynote address, TNL president Artax A Shimray prioritised safeguarding of hills peoples` rights and cultural heritages in the face of the alleged continued attempt by the state government to snatch the same by forcing Village Authority Act upon the tribals of the state.
“We must collectively rise up against such sinister designs of the state government and retain status quo at any cost,” he said reminding the gathering that by virtue of our forefathers` concern for cultural heritage, we receive the same today and we must also protect them for the coming generation in the same way.
AS part of the function, interactive session was held to chart out ways to implement development programs in the area. Various cultural troupes from five Veikhang area villages including two Khangkhui villages, two Nungshong villages and Choithar presented Tangkhul folk songs and traditional items.
The program was attended by around 500 people including church leaders, VA and village elders and representatives from Veikhang students` union and TNL, TSL, TNWL, TKS and TMNL.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/05/khangkhui-cave-can-boost-tourism-in-ukhrul-says-modak/