HERICOUN asks all to boycott Sangai Fest
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 19 2025: Ethno Heritage Council (HERICOUN) has urged people operating tent houses, providing sound and light services or engaged in professions related to music and dance to boycott the upcoming Sangai Festival.

Endorsing the boycott call issued by IDPs and numerous CSOs of Manipur, HERICOUN pointed out that hosting the festival under the current circumstances shows the PR administration's indifference towards the people of the State and IDPs, according to a press release issued by Aheibam Anand, secretary general, HERICOUN.

The administration's actions appear motivated to create the perception that the conflict has been resolved, which is unfortunate, said HERICOUN.

Despite strong resistance against hosting the festival from all sections of society, the PR administration's insistence on disregarding public sentiment shows its lack of concern for the people.

It questioned if people can move freely along the National Highways now, or if IDPs can return and resettle in their homes at Moreh, Churachandpur, Ekou, Yengkhuman, Dolaithabi, Torbung Bangla, Kangpokpi etc .

HERICOUN termed it inappropriate that the Government is giving more importance to hosting the Sangai Festival instead of focusing on these pressing issues.

Stating that the money spent on the festival (Rs 15 crore) would be better utilized for the welfare of displaced folks, HERICOUN also recalled the recent controversy caused by the reduction of daily allowance for IDPs from Rs 100 to Rs 84 .

Asking if this is the right time to think about promoting tourism, HERICOUN also questioned the fate of IDPs across numerous relief camps, including the displaced students, whose futures are now uncertain.

"Sangai Festival can be organised 100 times.

But without peace and security, there will be no tourism industry", said HERICOUN.

In a separate press release, Manipur Awang Chingkhei Kanba Clubs & Meirapaibi Apunba Lup (MACKCMAL) has appealed to socially boycott the Sangai Festival.

It also questioned the rationale of those planning to attend the festival as visitors, artists, stall holders and suppliers of tent house items and other necessary equipment.

Separately, the All Manipur Students Guardians' Organisation (AMSGO) strongly condemned the Government's decision to host the festival, calling it inappropriate and against the sentiments of the IDPs and public.

Stating that AM SGO will fully support the IDPs' protest tomorrow, it also sought the support of people from all walks of life.

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