IMPHAL,Oct 24 � Imphal wears a festive look on the eve of the Ningol Chakkouba, the greatest annual festival of Manipur which is scheduled to be celebrated across the State tomorrow.Married sisters were invited for grand feasts and given gifts by their brothers during the festival, at their parental homes and celebrations strengthen the bonf od love and affection among all.
Almost all the streets in the State capital were found congested throughout the day as buyers throng the Khwairamband Keithel, the main market in Imphal town, for last-minute shopping.
The historic and popular Ima Keithel, believed to be Asia�s largest women-run market was flooded with fresh vegetables, fruits and other essential items.The law-enforcing agencies, particularly the police, have been busy in monitoring the situation. Many handloom and handicraft bodies are also organising handloom fairs at various locations here to attract buyers.
State Commerce & Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Agriculture and fisheries Minister Md Abdul Nasir, Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga , Commissioner Fisheries Y Jugindro and Director Fisheries K Sarat attended the inaugural function.
Minister Govindas Konthoujam assured that his department is trying its best to include fish as trade item of the Indo-Myanmar border trade soon. Import of fish from the Myanmar will be cheaper and the fish are of good quality. The state produces 28,000MT of fish against the requirement of nearly 48,000MT.
Meanwhile, greeting the people of Manipur, Governor Dr KK Paul said that Ningol Chakuoba has gained relevance, more than ever in Manipur where the age old social fabric is showing signs of wear and tear.
Chief minister O Ibobi has also extended his warm and best wishes to the people of the state on the occasion.
Social Welfare Minister A K Mirabai, while greeting people on the auspicious festival called upon the people to pay more respect to women in the state and also wished that violence and crime against women be stopped completely along with the celebration. Extending her best regards towards the men folk she wished that they lead a healthy and prosperous life going forth.
MP Thangso Baite, JD (U) State Unit, president, N Tombi, MPP president, N Sovakiran and BJP president, Th Chaoba have also extended their best greetings on the occasion.
