More oppose move to hold Sangai Fest
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 06 2025:
Opposing the Government's plan to host the Sangai Festival, All Manipur Women's Social Reformation and Development Samaj, All Manipur Tammi Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup and Ereipak Enaat Chanura Loinsinlon (EECHAL) have asserted that the festival should not be held at any cost.
Speaking to media persons at their Lamphel office, All Manipur Women's Social Reformation and Development Samaj (Nupi Samaj) president Thokchom Ramani conveyed their support of the IDPs boycott of the festival citing the prolonged unresolved conflict and the plight of displaced folks who have not been safely resettled to their homes.
Highlighting the suffering of the IDPs, Tammi Chingmi president Yambem Momon said that they are not living dignified lives.
At a time when they are unable to return home or meet their children's needs, hosting a celebration is not acceptable.
Stating that movement in the National Highways is still restricted and people cannot safely enter Moreh, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, Momon maintained that the festival should be celebrated collectively after the IDPs are safely resettled.
On behalf of the meira paibi organisations, EECHAL president Tongbram Ibemcha urged the PR Government to cancel the Sangai Festival which is set to be held from November 21 to 30.The Sangai Festival showcases the State's culture, song and dance, food, sports and tourist spots to the rest of the world.
However, owing to the violence, the movement of the Meitei community has been restricted despite the announcement of free movement along the National Highways, which is for namesake only, she said.
Under such circumstances, the three organisations consider it an unsuitable time to host the festival.
If the State Tourism Department/PR Government goes ahead with its plans to conduct the festival, it should be held responsible for the consequences that follow, she maintained.
Separately, many groups, including Kangleipak Students' Association (KSA), United People's Front (UPF), Manipur, Students' Union of Kangleipak (SUK), Salaai Kanba Lup (SKL) and Manipur Peace & Integrity (MAPI) Council have endorsed the IDPs' boycott as resistance against the conduct of Sangai Festival continues to grow.
At this juncture, when the IDPs continue to suffer in relief camps without any concrete plans to return to their original homes and free movement on the National Highways remain restricted, it is not the appropriate time for the Government to host the Sangai Festival, said the organisations.
In a press release, Kangleipak Students' Association (KSA) highlighted the plight of the displaced folks, many of whom have died by suicide, and appealed the State Government to withdraw their decision to organise the Sangai Festival.
It acknowledged the role of the festival in boosting the State's economy and presenting Manipur's united front while showcasing its culture, tourism and sports etc.
In the past, tourists from different regions used to explore Manipur through this festival and provide local entrepreneurs with many opportunities.
However, since the outbreak of violence, the tourist footfall has drastically decreased.
In 2023, the US Government issued an advisory instructing its citizens to not travel to Manipur due to threats of violence.
According to another report, the tourist footfall has dropped from 1.79 lakh to 17,000 in 2024-25, said KSA.
Under such circumstances, KSA questioned if hosting the festival will accomplish the desired goals.
Meanwhile, the United People' Front (UPF) Manipur has demanded Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to take back the decision to host the Sangai Festival and urged the people of the State to boycott the festival.
It said that the PR Government's alleged move to portray the return of peace and normalcy in Manipur by conducting various festivals, particularly the Sangai Festival, should be opposed by the public.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Students' Union of Kangleipak (SUK) said that the Government's decision to hold the festival is inappropriate and not statesman-like.
It has urged the relevant authority to cancel the festival.
Endorsing the IDPs' Sangai Festival boycott, the Salaai Kanba Lup (SKL) has questioned the motive behind conducting the festival instead of giving increased attention to the issues of IDPs, free movement and resolving the two and a half year old conflict.
SKL has maintained that Sangai Festival and other festivities can be hosted after the Government solves these pertinent issues.
Lastly, the MAPI Council stated that preparing to hold the festival at this inopportune moment means that the Government is blind to the people's suffering.
Stating that it is not the right step, MAPI Council has urged the Government to first resolve the conflict and allow unrestricted movement in the highways and conduct the festival afterwards.
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