Sangai Festival Opens Amid Protests, Clashes

The 10-day Sangai Tourism Festival commenced on Friday at Hapta Kangjeibung in Imphal amid heightened tension, protests and clashes that left two police officers injured.

According to officials, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) was among those hurt when security forces clashed with demonstrators in Imphal East district.

The protestors, including several internally displaced persons (IDPs), attempted to march toward the festival venue, prompting security personnel to block their movement.

Stones were reportedly hurled at the forces, who responded with several rounds of tear gas.

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurated the festival in a subdued ceremony.

The event faced widespread opposition from the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), which had earlier announced a cease-work protest and urged the public to boycott the festival.

COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba had said the festival is “not meant for the people, but for some individuals’ vested interest who can manage financial benefit for organising the festival”.

This year’s edition marks the return of the Sangai Festival after a two-year suspension due to ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.

Attendance remained sparse on Friday, with government employees and security personnel forming most of the audience.

Many stalls were shut, and only a few government-run stalls functioned partially.

Several civil society organisations, valley-based groups and IDPs have opposed holding the festival while thousands remain in relief camps and tensions continue.

They have demanded that the government prioritise resolving the ongoing conflict and rehabilitating displaced families before celebrating any public event.

In Bishnupur district, hundreds of IDPs attempted to march back to their original homes in neighbouring Churachandpur district.

Security forces halted them near Phougakchao Ikhai, deploying barricades, barbed wire and parked vehicles to prevent further movement.

Tear gas was again used to disperse the group.

Earlier, the Manipur government issued an appeal seeking cooperation from citizens.

Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel described the Sangai Festival as a symbol of “our commitment to moving forward together”, emphasising its role in economic revival, tourism promotion, youth empowerment and community harmony.

Goel noted that the government spends ₹18 crore per month on IDP relief and that ₹523 crore has been allocated under a Special Relief Package from the Centre.

Of this, ₹180 crore is earmarked for house restoration and ₹250 crore for rebuilding public infrastructure in resettlement areas.

He maintained that while rehabilitation of IDPs remains the government’s top priority, the festival is crucial for boosting local trade, artisans, craftsmen and farmers, and for accelerating economic activity.

Former ministers and BJP MLAs Bishwajit Singh and Basanta Kumar Singh were among those present at the venue.

—IANS