COCOMI, IDPs intensify Sangai Festival boycott

Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) along with internally displaced persons (IDPs) on Sunday intensified protests against the government’s move to host the 10-day Sangai Festival, even as demonstrations continued unabated across valley districts.
At Imphal West’s Lamboi Khongnangkhong relief camp, IDPs displayed placards reading “Resettlement Before Celebration,” “Festival of Whose Peace?” and “We Live in Camps, Not in Normalcy.” Protesters alleged that the festival was being organized to project a return of peace while displaced families continued to be denied security and dignity.
The rally began from the camp gate and marched toward the capital city along the Imphal-Kangchup road. Speaking to reporters, a displaced woman lamented, “We are still languishing at the relief camps. Our children study in relief tents. Yet the government wants to show visitors that everything is fine.” Another protester said they were not against tourism but insisted rehabilitation, free movement and safe return of IDPs must come first.
Similar rallies were also held in Khurkhul and other locations in Imphal West, where IDPs questioned the rationale of celebrating a major cultural festival while thousands remained displaced and unable to return to their villages.
Meanwhile, COCOMI reiterated its boycott call, claiming widespread public backing. In a statement signed by convener Khuraijam Athouba, the apex body urged citizens to continue torch rallies and street demonstrations with the slogan “Let’s Not Participate in Sangai Festival 2025” until November 30, the concluding day of the festival. It maintained that many citizens were voluntarily distancing themselves from the event, calling it a “collective moral stand.” COCOMI further asserted that “real normalcy lies in restoring people’s dignity, not in glitter and fireworks.”
In a significant development, Wangkhei AC MLA Thangjam Arunkumar extended solidarity with the protesters. Addressing a public function in his constituency, he said, “Being a people’s representative, I am with you. I will always stand by the people.” He termed the voice of IDPs as legitimate and valid, adding that organizing the festival at the expense of displaced families was “uncalled for.”
The BJP legislator also appealed to all sections of society to refrain from hate speeches and communal enmity on social media, even as protests against the festival continued across valley districts.