More back call to boycott Sangai Fest
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 06 2026: The Ethno Heritage Council (HERICOUN) and the Loumee Shinmee Apun Lup (LOUSAL) have joined the call to boycott the Manipur Sangai Festival 2026 .

A statement issued by HERICOUN pointed out that the people of Manipur, particularly indigenous people, have been suffering extreme misery on account of the violent crisis which broke out on May 3, 2023 .

A large number of people have been living a wretched life in relief camps like refugees in their own homeland.

The Government's decision to hold Manipur Sangai Festival without solving any of the key issues plaguing the State is an insult to the people, it said.

It asserted that the Government's decision to hold Manipur Sangai Festival when thousands of people are living in relief camps and many families have been awaiting justice for their loved ones killed in the violence is inappropriate.

It would be far more productive if the money sanctioned for the festival is used in rehabilitation of IDPs, payment of compensation to affected people and strengthening the security infrastructure, it said.

HERICOUN said that it will fully support the COCOMI's announcement to boycott Manipur Sangai Festival 2026 .

It went on to ask if the Government is trying to portray a false image of a peaceful Manipur through the Manipur Sangai Festival.

Prioritising festivals over addressing the people's suffering is rather surprising, it remarked.

If the Government bulldozes its way and organises Manipur Sangai Festival forcibly, HERICOUN will extend full support to any democratic agitation launched by COCOMI and IDPs, it said.

HERICOUN also appealed to the State Government to skip Manipur Sangai Festival 2026 and focus on resettlement of IDPs and addressing their plight.

A press release issued by the LOUSAL said that Kuki narco-terrorists have not stopped their war of aggression.

After killing a large innocent Meiteis and rendering tens of thousands homeless, Kuki narco-terrorists have been incessantly targeting and killing innocent Nagas, another indigenous community of the State.

Moreover, a large number of farmers are unable to cultivate their fields on account of the war of aggression being waged by Kuki narco-terrorists, LOUSAL said.

It is a matter of grave concern that the State Government, instead of focusing its time and resources on solving the protracted crisis, has been busying itself in organising Manipur Sangai Festival.

Maintaining that the COCOMI's decision to boycott Manipur Sangai Festival 2026 is legitimate, LOUSAL said that it will extend full support in boycotting the festival.

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