Imphal, October 31: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a conglomerate of civil society bodies, has announced to support the boycott of the upcoming state sponsored tourism festival ‘Sangai Festival’ by internally displaced persons (IDPs) citing the ongoing violence, displacement, and unrest in the state.
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In a press statement issued today, COCOMI highlighted that since the ethnic conflict erupted on May 3, 2023, over 60,000 people have been displaced and continue to live under harsh conditions in various relief camps across the state, including those in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Moreh, and other areas.
The committee stated that despite the deteriorating situation and the hardships faced by the internally displaced persons (IDPs), the government has decided to hold the ‘Sangai Festival’ a move COCOMI described as “insensitive” and “economically wasteful.”
‘Sangai Festival’ is an annual festival celebrated for 10 days that usually starts from November 21 to November 30 every year. The festival is named after the local name of unique brow- antlered deer “Sangai”. The festival showcases arts, culture, traditions of different indigenous communities of Manipur.
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COCOMI further alleged that free movement along national highways remains restricted and that “armed militants continue to occupy villages and hills,” making normal life impossible for thousands of residents.
The organization condemned the government’s attempt to project a sense of normalcy through the festival while the displaced population continues to suffer, warning that such actions are deeply disrespectful to the victims of the ongoing crisis.
The statement urged all communities in Manipur to boycott the Sangai Festival in solidarity with those still struggling in relief camps and called on civil society groups to refrain from participating in government-led promotional events until peace and stability are restored.
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COCOMI also cautioned that if the government proceeds with the festival, it would demonstrate its “complete disregard for the suffering of its own people.”
(Newmai News Network)