Ukhrul, October 30: Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from various areas including Churachandpur, Moreh, Kangpokpi, Motbung, and Ekou — currently taking shelter in different relief camps — have appealed to the government to defer the upcoming Sangai Festival until all displaced families are resettled in their original homes.
The appeal was made during a joint press conference held today at the Manipur Press Club by the Churachandpur Meitei United Committee, Meitei Council Moreh, and Apex Committee of Victim Villagers, Imphal East.
Addressing the media, Naba Ningthoujam, Co-convenor of the Churachandpur Meitei United Committee, expressed disappointment over the government’s unfulfilled assurance to complete IDP resettlement in three phases by December this year. He urged the government not to divert public focus from the ongoing crisis through celebrations.
Meanwhile, Leishangthem Brogendro, Secretary of Meitei Council Moreh, stated that although firing incidents have ceased and many assume normalcy has returned, thousands of IDPs are still unable to go back to their homes. He reiterated the demand to cancel or postpone the Sangai Festival, scheduled to begin on November 21, citing the continued hardship of displaced victims.
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The Apex Committee of Victim Villagers, Imphal East also cautioned that it would launch democratic agitations in coordination with civil society organisations, IDPs, and the public if the festival is held as planned.
Manipur Sangai Festival 2025 is slated from November 21 till 30, 2025.