COCOMI urges against holding Sangai Fest
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 22 2026: The COCOMI has appealed to the State Government to organise the Manipur Sangai Festival only after peace is restored and people belonging to different communities can move freely in each other's areas.

Speaking to media persons at the Lamphelpat office of UCM this afternoon, COCOMI convenor YK Dhiren said that the Government's plan to hold the Sangai Festival in the month of November is a matter of grave concern.

Manipur Sangai Festival is basically about promoting tourism but the prevailing situation is not at all conducive for tourism.

As such, COCOMI and IDP committees are of the view that organising Manipur Sangai Festival under the prevailing situation is rather absurd and irrational, Dhiren said.

The violent crisis which erupted on May 3, 2023 has not yet ended.

It appears that the Government seems to be simply watching the crisis instead of working to contain it, he added.

The conflict which started between Kukis and Meiteis seems to be shifting with the Kukis now fighting against the Nagas.

On the other hand, the Government instead of containing the militants and mercenaries who are primarily responsible for the protracted crisis is protecting them, he alleged.

Ironically, people who protested demanding containment of the militants and mercenaries are being suppressed by the Government, he added.

Appealing to the Government to hold Manipur Sangai Festival only after peace is restored and IDPs are resettled, Dhiren warned that COCOMI and IDPs will oppose the festival if the Government chooses to hold the festival forcibly.

Thangjam Budha, an IDP from Moreh too appealed to the Government not to hold Manipur Sangai Festival until the issue of lodging IDPs in tiny rooms with trivial financial assistance is resolved.

Recalling the Government's assurance to resettle and rehabilitate IDPs by March, Budha urged the Government to translate the same assurance into action.

Churachandpur Meitei United Committee convenor Naba Ningthoujam said that concerned District Magistrates and SDOs have issued notices to IDPs to vacate the houses they are occupying.

"If the IDPs are not allowed to go back home nor occupy available houses, we may live in relief camps but the Government must provide every requirement including foods, children's educational expenses, medical expenses as well as livelihoods", Naba said.

If the Government is not in a position to provide these requirements, it must withdraw the notices, he added.

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