Violent clashes between security forces and protesters disrupted preparations for Manipur's flagship tourism event, the Sangai Festival, just one day before its scheduled reopening after a two-year hiatus caused by ongoing ethnic conflict in the state.
Protesters Clash with Security Forces
On Thursday, November 20, 2025, security personnel deployed in Imphal East district used baton charges and teargas shells to disperse a protest rally marching toward Raj Bhavan. The confrontation occurred at Palace Gate when demonstrators attempted to breach security barricades, resulting in injuries to at least three protesters.
The protest was organized by COCOMI, a prominent Meitei civil society organization, alongside representatives from other civil society groups and people displaced by the conflict. Participants carried placards with messages including "Security and justice before festival façade", "no peace, no Sangai festival", and "Fundamental rights before festival".
Festival Plans Meet Resistance
The Manipur government had planned the Sangai Festival as a 10-day extravaganza running from November 21 to November 30, featuring musical performances by renowned pop band BLUE, film screenings, football tournaments, polo matches, adventure activities, and traditional arts including music, dance, and crafts.
However, these elaborate preparations faced strong opposition from conflict-displaced communities and valley-based civil society organizations. COCOMI has called for a complete boycott of the event, labeling the government's insistence on holding an extravagant festival as "insensitive, misplaced and against the wishes of the people."
The organization has presented four key demands that must be addressed before any celebrations:
- Restoration of fundamental rights and freedom of movement for all citizens
- Safe return of all internally displaced people to their homes
- Re-establishment of peace and normalcy across Manipur
- End to all forms of coercion and suppression against civilian voices
Government's Stance on Festival Importance
Despite the objections, the state government maintains that reviving the festival represents a crucial step toward normalizing activities in Manipur. Chief Secretary Puneet Goel issued an appeal to the people of Manipur seeking support for the event, emphasizing that "economic revival, tourism promotion, youth empowerment and community harmony are vital pillars for bringing Manipur back onto a sustained path of growth."
In his statement, Goel reiterated that while relief and rehabilitation of internally displaced people remains the top priority, holding the Sangai Festival is equally important for economic acceleration. The government believes the event will provide essential market linkages for local artisans, entrepreneurs, craftsmen, and farmers while boosting trade and investment opportunities.
The Manipur Sangai Festival, first held in 2010, was last organized in November 2022 before the ethnic conflict erupted in May 2023, causing its cancellation in both 2023 and 2024. This year's event marks the 12th edition of the festival, following the successful resumption of the state's second-largest festival, the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul this past May.
