Sivathei Fest stresses need to improve road connectivity

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 16 : The District Level Chatric Sivathei (U-Morok) Festival was celebrated from December 10 to 11 at Chatric village, Kamjong.
MLA Leishiyo Keishing and Kamjong Deputy Commissioner Rangnamei Rang Peter attended the inaugural function.
Varieties of locally grown vegetables, especially King chilli were displayed and sold during the festival.
The festival was supported by the North Eastern Council (NEC) Shillong, Eastern Border Areas Development Authority (EBADA) and organized by Khokpei Horticulture Cooperative Society Limited.
Renowned artists like Thangmeiso Shinglai, Pakmi Mahongnao, MOC performed during the festival.
At the festival, Leishiyo Keishing said that the King Chilli, originated from Chatric village, is one of the valuable assets of the State.
He called for the chilli to be preserved and promoted at State level, and emphasised on the potential of the district to become a tourist destination.
Rangnamei Rang Peter emphasised on the need for developing the village as well as Sahamphung Block in terms of road connectivity, telecommunication and other infrastructure.
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Soreiphy Vashum graced the valedictory function as the chief guest.
During the festival, the Chatric Sivathei Festival Committee highlighted the plight of the people of the region and urged the departments concerned of the Government to improve road connectivity through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
The committee urged the authorities of the Government to implement relevant schemes and improve the road connectivity before the next edition of the Sivathei Festival.
As the village is located in the remote border area with bad road connectivity, tourists didn't turn up as expected, said the committee.
The committee, however, noted that the State Government's support has been instrumental in preserving and increasing production of the Sivathei.
No pesticides, fertilizers or any other chemicals are used in the cultivation of the Sivathei (King Chilli) to date in the village, said the committee.