The Manipur government has issued a stern warning against insurgent groups, firmly stating that no individual or organisation holds the authority to issue decrees or impose punishments on citizens. This strong stance comes in response to threats and bans issued by proscribed groups against artists and businesses who participated in the state's recently concluded flagship tourism event, the Manipur Sangai Festival.
Festival Held Amidst Conflict and Protest
The Manipur Sangai Festival, the state's largest tourism event, was held from November 21 to 30 this year. This marked its first occurrence since the onset of the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur. The decision to proceed with the festival was met with opposition from several civil society groups and sections of the conflict-displaced population. Protesters called for a boycott, arguing that holding a cultural celebration while the conflict remained unresolved and thousands were still displaced was insensitive and against public sentiment.
Insurgent Groups Issue Threats and Bans
The situation escalated on December 3 when the G-5, a conglomerate of five banned valley-based insurgent groups, passed a resolution targeting participants. They demanded an apology from artists, businesses, and individuals involved in the festival. As part of their decree, the G-5 imposed a one-year performance ban on four Sumang Leela associations, a traditional form of Manipuri theatre. This move aimed to intimidate and punish cultural participation.
Government and Police Respond Firmly
In a swift response, the Manipur Police registered five separate cases across the districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching in connection with the threats. Law enforcement acted decisively, arresting three cadres of these insurgent groups by Friday night. Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify and take necessary action against all individuals involved in issuing the threats.
Echoing the police action, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel released a strong official statement. He declared that any attempt to intimidate or endanger the safety of any citizen is an act against the state and its people. "The state reaffirms that no individual, group or organisation — whether proscribed or otherwise — has authority to issue decrees, impose punishments or restrict the lawful cultural, economic or artistic activities in Manipur," the statement read.
It further warned that any entity found issuing such threats or disturbing peaceful coexistence would be prosecuted strictly under the law. The Chief Secretary also appealed to the public to stand united against unlawful elements and to report any threats, extortion, or suspicious activity to the police, cooperating with government initiatives to restore peace and development.
