Shillong, Oct 29 (PTI) Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul
Sangma today handed a cheque of Rs 14.57 lakh to the
organizers of the Wangala Hundred Drum Festival to be held
from November 10 to November 12, next at Asanang in West Garo
Hills District of Meghalaya.
Addressing a press conference here, Sangma said the state
government would extend financial support to such festivals,
so that they could be held in a grand way, as also to attract
domestic and foreign tourists.
Sangma said the state government has taken upon itself
the responsibility to make Meghalaya a major tourist
destination in the North Eastern Region.
He said it would be more attractive for the tourists if
they could also visit other North East States at one go.
The Chief Minister suggested that there should be a North
Tour ackage by roping in other states of the region to enable
the tourists stay longer in the region and subsequently earn
more revenue from the tourism sector.
“As of now the tourists who come to region normally visit
Meghalaya and Kaziranga National Park in Assam”, Sangma said,
adding that the time has to market North East as tourist
destination.
When asked about militancy could be a major set for
tourism, Sangma said the root cause of militancy has to be
tackled.
“Militancy is not as glitter as one looks particularly
when the militants are on the run. The have to face a lot of
hardship while staying in the jungle with malaria and other
diseases. That is why many of the youths who have taken up
militancy come back and surrender”, he said.
The chief minister said the state government was trying
hard to introduce some of the flagship programmes in a mission
mode to ensure rapid economic development amongst the people.