Day-long general strike opposing Sangai Festival disrupts normal life in Manipur

Normal life was severely affected across the valley districts of Manipur on Wednesday as a 24-hour general strike, called by a faction of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party – Military Council (Progressive), denouncing the state government’s decision to hold the Manipur Sangai Festival, passed off without major incident.
The strike, which began early morning, led to widespread shutdown of markets, suspension of transport services, and disruption of daily activities. In the twin capital districts of Imphal East and Imphal West, where most government institutions are located, the strike was near total with private and commercial establishments downing shutters. Khwairamband Keithel, the state’s busiest market, remained closed, while streets across the city wore a deserted look with only a few government and private vehicles seen plying.
Although essential and emergency services such as media, medical care, hospitals, water supply, fire services, and religious activities were exempted, pharmacies and essential supply outlets also remained closed fearing backlash, causing inconvenience to the public.
Schools, colleges, and private offices stayed shut, while government offices reported thin attendance. Transport services were severely hit as passenger and inter-district commercial vehicles stayed off the roads, leaving normally busy routes empty. Similar situations were reported in other valley districts, though the strike had less impact in the hill districts where activities continued normally except for the suspension of inter-district services.
The strike was called in protest against the government’s plan to organize the Sangai Festival from November 21 to 30 after a two-year hiatus due to ethnic strife since May 2023. The armed faction termed the festival “a celebration built on suffering,” arguing that holding a tourism spectacle while thousands remain displaced is unjust and insensitive.
The opposition to the festival has gained momentum with civil society groups and internally displaced persons (IDPs) joining calls for cancellation. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has urged the public to support a statewide boycott and participate in a mass sit-in demonstration planned by IDPs on November 20.
In response, the President’s Rule administration has intensified security measures in Imphal, particularly around the main venue at Hapta Kangjeibung, with heavy deployment of forces at sensitive locations. At the same time, the government has appealed for public cooperation, stressing that the Sangai Festival is a collective affirmation of resilience and a catalyst for economic revival, tourism promotion, youth empowerment, and community harmony.
Chief Secretary Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel, in an appeal note, urged citizens and stakeholders to support the festival, stating that its success would help Manipur move forward on a sustained path of growth and unity.