Minister opens Yarra festival at Ukhrul

Ukhrul, Imphal, May 4: Minister of CAF & PD, Revenue, Karam Shyam said love and faith bind the 36 different groups living in Manipur. 
Attending the Yarra festival at Khangkhui Phungdhar ground, Ukhrul district, Shyam said on Thursday that cultural festivals play a big role in keeping the bond. 
He said, all specially officials should work with sincerity. We should give emphasis on self-employment and the schemes like PMEGB should be properly used. There are more than 150 schemes taken up under the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the State government, minister Shyam said the elected members should act as a bridge between the government and the public by keeping the public informed of these schemes and provide them opportunity to reap the benefits. 
“If the case is otherwise, the “Go to Village Mission” of the Chief Minister would be a futile exercise”, he also said.
The minister drew serious concern over the 14 km stretch of muddy road in dilapidated condition leading to Khangkhui Phungdar and assured he will talk the matter to the concerned works minister Th Bishwajit and the Chief Minister to find a solution soon.
Convincing the gathering that they will get a new proper road with black top, he also said if the project of the CM to invest Rs 7.5 crores for developing Khangkhui caves starts implementing, the village will get a new look.
He also donated some amount for gifting red shawls to 50 elders of the village.
For supporting the livelihood of a blind widow, Luirangla and her children, minister Shyam donated Rs 5,000.
A memorandum was submitted to the minister to construct a proper pliable road and take necessary steps for developing Khangkhui Phungdar into a tourist spot.
During the inaugural function, minister Karam Shyam unfurled the Yarra flag. 
The Khangkhui Phungdhar is a historic place where the Thoubal river originates and the Shirui Lily lying on its eastern part. The famous Khangkhui Caves is located just 1 km away from the Phungdhar village. The Yarra festival is a seed-sowing festival of the Tangkhul tribes and is held every year in the month of May. The Yarra Phanit kicked off yesterday and is to be held for three days. UNI