<span style="color: #222222;">In Manipur, the 18th Shumang Leela Ningtham Festival organised by Manipur State Shumang Leela Council in commemoration of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' kicked off today in Imphal. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh launched the festival.<br />''<br />''Shumang Leela is one of the most unique and traditional forms of art and it plays a reformative role in society. The popularity of Manipuri Shumang Leela has even crossed the state and national boundaries. This year, eleven Shumang Leela groups are participating in the festival which will conclude on 30th of May.  <br />''<br />''Speaking on this occasion, the Chief Minister said that the State Government will actively consider providing an annual grant of around 30 lakh rupees to the Manipur State Shumang Leela Council for the welfare of Shumang Leela artists. He said that the land where Shumang Leela Shanglen Complex stands in Imphal would be exclusively reserved only for Shumang Leela. The proposal for renovation of this complex would also be looked into by the government.<br />''<br />''Mr Singh said that Shumang Leela is a rare art form which educated people on social evils, civic sense, history of Manipur and origin of its people. He also urged the Shumang Leela groups to produce plays which depict the courage of those brave forefathers, who had sacrificed their life to build up the present Manipur. No youth would go down the wrong path if they have a sense of patriotism and nationalism in their minds, he added. </span><br />