Imphal, September 29: Closing ceremony of the five day Manipuri Poetry Festival jointly organised by North East Writers� Forum - Manipur Chapter, Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre and Art & Culture Department was held at State Guest today.

Chairman of the valedictory function IAS (retd) E Sonamani in his address expressed satisfaction that the festival could provide a common platform to Manipuris settled in places like Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya and Bangladesh to interact with one another.

The communication gap between Manipuris living in different geographical locations could at least be bridged by the festival, Sonamani added.

While regretting lack of sponsorship denting talented and creative writers from publishing their work, the programme chairman exhorted the writers to continue contribution towards emancipation of Manipuris from all social ills.

He also appreciated endeavours of Manipuris (Meiteis) living outside for preserving culture and tradition of Manipur despite the geographical divide.

An important feature of the day�s programme was an interaction session of local and non-local writers wherein problems and plight of the writer community was shared.

In all 21 non-local writers, including three females attended the festival which concluded with presentation of cultural items.

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