Disabled bodies express discontent over failure to include PwDs in Shirui Lily Festival
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 15 2025: The All Tribal Disables' Union, Manipur (ATDUM) and Ukhrul District Disables Organization (UDDO) have expressed their disappointment to the Director of Tourism and the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul over their failure to recognize and include persons with disabilities in the Shirui Festival, 2025 .

The joint release issued by ATDUM and UDDO stated that in compliance with the instruction of the Director of Tourism, the representatives of ATDUM and UDDO met with DC Ukhrul on May i 5 at his office chamber seeking the inclusion of a budget allocation for organizing a disability-inclusive event as part of the festival.

However, the DC conveyed that no funds had been earmarked for activities related to persons with disabilities under the 5th State Level Shirui Festival, 2025 .

Following this, the ATDUM president held a telephonic discussion with the Director of Tourism, who reiterated that the matter must be pursued with the DC Ukhrul, said the bodies.

Their failure to "recognize and include" persons with disabilities in the festival is not only disheartening but also reflects a clear lack of inclusivity and concern for marginalized sections of society, stated the ATDUM and UDDO.

"The exclusion of PwDs has caused considerable anger and frustration among the tribal disability community, who are now mounting pressure on the leadership to initiate a sit-in-protest at the event during the festival.

The decision on whether to proceed with the protest at the venue during the festival will be taken by the leaders of ATDUM and UDDO on May 19, said the bodies.

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