Imphal, Nov 21 (NNN): Tension flared up in Imphal on Thursday after a group of internally displaced persons (IDPs) attempted to storm the main venue of the Sangai Festival 2025, leading to a brief but intense confrontation with security forces at Hapta Kangjeibung, Palace Compound in Imphal West.
Security personnel resorted to lathicharge and fired several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the demonstrators, who were chanting slogans demanding the boycott of the festival. At least three protesters suffered injuries during the scuffle, sources said.
The protest was led by displaced persons and supported by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), which has been opposing the government’s decision to hold the annual cultural tourism festival amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba lashed out at the government, accusing it of being “insensitive” to the plight of thousands of displaced families still living in relief camps.
“Organising a festival when people remain homeless and hungry shows complete disregard for public sentiment,” Athouba said. “The government should focus on rehabilitation, reopening highways, and restoring normalcy instead of celebrations.”
As security forces tightened control around the festival venue, displaced families across several relief camps in the Imphal valley held silent demonstrations to express their discontent. Inmates at Sajiwa, Lamboikhongnang Makhong, and Akampat Relief Camps staged sit-in protests, holding placards demanding rehabilitation before celebration.
Despite mounting criticism from civil bodies, the government is going ahead with preparations for the festival, slated to begin on Friday.
Named after the Manipur state animal, the Sangai Festival is Manipur’s largest annual tourism event, celebrating its cultural diversity through arts, crafts, music, and cuisine. The Tourism Department said 600 stalls have been installed this year, including 25 reserved for IDPs, though none of the displaced persons have opted to participate.
First held in 2010, the festival has evolved into a symbol of Manipur’s cultural identity, but this year, it unfolds under the shadow of division and displacement.
