Correspondent
NAMPONG, Jan 23: The three-day Pangsau Pass International Festival (PPIF) came to a close on Tuesday with local MLA Laisam Simai flagging off a mini marathon from Namchik to the festival venue here.
The half marathon, which saw the participation of more than 100 runners, was followed by a display of dirt bike stunts near Hamilton bridge in Namgoi, some two kms from here.
The valedictory programme in the evening saw the participation of Dinjan GOC Maj Gen Gajinder Singh, Lekhapani-based Assam Rifles sector commander Brig S Saul, and others. A fashion show, cultural presentations, and felicitation of cultural troupes marked the closing ceremony.
As the magnificent sight of firecrackers lit up the sky, the curtains on the three-day celebration were downed by PPIF chief advisor Aboo Kimsing.
On the sideline of the valedictory programme, MLA Simai expressed satisfaction that the festival concluded on a high note.
“The elevated figure of local participation during the festival through various business models was exemplary,” he said.
“The locals were conscious enough of the benefits they can generate from the festival. As a result, they opened up eateries serving indigenous menu from Jairampur to Nampong. They were also bold enough to open their houses and offer home stay facilities,” Simai said.
Expressing gratitude to everyone who made the festival a success, the MLA said, “Profit and loss are a part of the bargain. The important thing is participation and learning, which we did; and I’m positive that the dividends will follow.”
