The SP of Noklak Dr Pritpal Kaur, IPS, has commented on the potential of Noklak mountains for tourism. Dr Kaur and a team from Noklak Police had trekked Longshio Keng Mountain on 11 September.

Pointing out that the district has many tourist spots like caves, mountains and the Indo-Myanmar border area, the SP stated the potential for youths to explore entrepreneurship in the tourism industry.

Dr Kaur said tourism would bring in the benefits of income for local entrepreneurs and infrastructure development in the district. Locals could earn by providing home stay accommodations for tourists while young people who have either dropped out of school or are in need of employment could also explore working in the tourism sector. Hard work can guide the youths and help them stay out of drugs and other intoxicants, the SP stated.

With the high potential for tourism in Noklak, Dr Kaur mentioned the importance of ensuring that the cultural ethnicity and traditions of the local people are not exploited. She also stated that those working in the tourism industry should ensure that the ecosystem is not disturbed or polluted.

Tourism in Noklak would allow for the sale of handicrafts and handloom products to be increased, which in turn could lead to society empowerment for the entire Noklak district, stated the SP of Noklak.

There have been positive signs of local initiatives working towards self-sustainability in Noklak recently. On 9 September, the Khiamnuingan Women Weaving Co-operative Society launched a range of self-manufactured products. Branded Noklak Mother’s Love, the products include sanitary pads, traditional attires and jewelleries. In addition, villages and Self-Help Groups (SHG) around Noklak district have been receiving training in livelihood through the collaborative effort of the organisation Taste of Noklak Society (TONS) and the Noklak SP Office.

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