Ethnic conflict-hit IDPs condemn Mnp govt’s plan to celebrate Sangai festival

The Manipur government’s decision to revive the Manipur Sangai Festival after a two-year suspension has drawn strong criticism from Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the state, who have condemned the move as an attempt to project a false sense of peace and normalcy while thousands remain in relief camps.
The Manipur Sangai Festival, one of the state’s biggest annual tourism events, is scheduled to be held from November 21 to 30 across multiple venues.
The resentment follows a call by IDPs from Moreh, the border town at the Indo-Myanmar frontier, to boycott the festival. Displaced families residing in camps across Manipur have now voiced similar opposition, demanding that the government focus on rehabilitation and resettlement efforts before holding any public celebrations.
During a press conference held at the Manipur Press Club on Thursday, representatives from various IDP groups urged the state administration to prioritise the phase-wise resettlement plan and ensure the safe return of displaced persons to their homes. They alleged that despite assurances, no concrete steps have been taken to restore or rehabilitate those who were uprooted from conflict-affected areas.
The IDPs criticised the government’s decision to proceed with the festival, describing it as insensitive to the plight of thousands still living under harsh conditions in relief camps. They maintained that celebrating a tourism festival while families continue to suffer would be deeply disrespectful to the victims of the ongoing crisis.
Representatives from Moreh, under the Meitei Council Moreh, questioned the government’s portrayal of normalcy, stating that restrictions on free movement still persist and that displaced persons remain unable to return to their homes. They accused the administration of engaging in public relations exercises to create the illusion that peace has returned, even as insecurity and displacement continue.
Another IDP representative condemned what he described as misplaced government priorities, pointing out that while the Sangai Festival promotes wildlife protection, human lives remain neglected.
The group collectively appealed to both the Centre and the state government to postpone the Sangai Festival until genuine peace is restored and displaced families can safely return home.
Despite opposition from the displaced communities, the administration has begun preparations for the event.
Meanwhile, Committee on Protection of Meetei Victims, Moreh (COPMeV) also issued a statement calling for a boycott of the festival, describing the government’s decision as indifferent to the ongoing suffering of the displaced population.