Security tightened for festival at Manipur capital

Imphal: Security measures have been stepped up, particularly at Manipur capital complex here, for the forthcoming 10-day ‘Sangai Festival’ from November 21, official sources said on Wednesday. The festival, named after brow-antlered deer (Sangai) which is a rare species available only in Manipur, would attract tourists from different parts of the South-East Asian countries. Frequent checking of passers-by, government offices and public places is being conducted at various places by police to detect planting of bombs by militants, sources said. Stalls would be set up by various NGOs from different parts of the country and foreign representatives during the festival. The state government has so far confirmed the visit of about 100 Myanmar nationals, including VIPs, in the festival during which NGOs from some other countries, including Thailand. (PTI)