Ilam: President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said that Mangsebung of Ilam could be developed into an international tourism site by developing the infrastructure there.

Inaugurating the Ubhauli worship of Kirant Community at Mangsebung of Banjho-9 in Ilam today, President Bhandari stressed the need of promoting the religious site of the Kirant Community as tourism site.

She expressed the view that it would contribute to nation's economy if the religious site could be developed as tourism hub.

Stating that the Kirant Community has contributed in nature conservation and protection, President Bhandari urged the bodies concerned to take the sector ahead as peace zone.

The President further said that implementation of new constitution was indispensible in nation building, saying the new constitution has ensured equal rights to different communities.

President Bhandari, paid homage and performed puja rituals at the shrine here in Mangsebung, Ilam for the first time after assuming the high office.

The President was presented a Letter of Felicitations by the Kirant religious priestess Pabitra Hangma and devotees on the occasion.

At the programme, Minister for Information and Communications Sherdhan Rai said that the government expected the cooperation and support from all as the nation is geared towards the reconstruction mega campaign.

"The country has already headed towards prosperity. It is our responsibility to carry on by adhering to the constitution in its letter and spirit," Minister Rai said, adding that the constitution has granted equal rights and privileges to the people of all castes, communities, religions and linguistic groups.

Distinguished persons following the Kirant religion from Hong Kong, Bhutan, India and Burma participated in the Ubhauli worship ceremony presided over by president of the Organising Committee, Kehar Singh Yonghang. The festival will last until Wednesday.