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Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 22 2019: Seven student organisations have declared support of the boycott imposed by Coordinating Committee On Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) on Manipur Sangai Festival 2019 .

Announcing their support for the boycott, All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU), Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF), Kangleipak Students' Association (KSA), Students' Union of Kangleipak (SUK), Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpanglup (AIMS) and All Manipur Muslim Students' Organisation (AMMSO) have collectively appealed to the public to refrain from participating in the festival as well.

Speaking to media persons at AIMS office at Kwakeithel today, MSF vice president Sajad Buiyamayum urged the people to refrain from associating with any event or programme linked with the festival.

He said that Manipur has been gripped with tension since the last few months owing to the Naga peace talks and explained that festivals can be organised numerous times in the future after there is peace and tranquillity.

Despite numerous assurances by the Centre that the peace talks will not affect Manipur in any way, COCOMI and the people have no reason to trust these promises.

The demand for a special State Assembly session is also being neglected all these times, he lamented.

He then accused the State Government of giving extra emphasis on a tourism festival instead on an issue which has the potential to harm the State.

Such action on the part of the Government is extremely disappointing, he said.

The All India Students' Federation, Manipur State Council has also backed the boycott call of the Sangai Festival by the COCOMI.

Keeping in mind the present socio-political scenario in the North Eastern region of India, the BJP Government should not ignore the interests of the people in the region, said AISF in a statement.

It is insensitive on the part of the BJP led Government to organise the festival when so much is at stake, said the student body and added that it stands firmly with COCOMI and MANPAC.

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