Protest against Sangai Festival sees no end

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 29 : Taking strong exception to the Government’s decision to hold the Sangai Festival despite widespread public opposition, the Khwairamband Ima Keithel Joint Coordinating Committee for Peace (KIKJCP) has accused Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla of “acting like a hired head of the State”.
Addressing a press conference at Khwairamband Ima Keithel today, KIKJCP convenor Laishram Memma said the Government’s decision to forcibly organise the festival by completely ignoring public sentiment has deeply disappointed and hurt the people of Manipur, who have been suffering due to the ongoing crisis.
The festival is being imposed on a people still reeling from untold miseries, she said and added that the Governor’s refusal to listen to the voice of the suffering masses is deeply disappointing and painful.
She expressed disappointment, saying she had hoped the Government would cancel the festival given the widespread public opposition.
Instead, "our hopes are shattered" as the Governor's administration prioritizes hosting the Sangai Festival with music concerts and celebrations over addressing the urgent rehabilitation needs of thousands of internally displaced people, Memma added.
Condemning the police action against protesters, the KIKJCP convenor said that it was painful to see security forces using force on the people who are only raising their voice for justice.
She questioned why the security forces could not show the same level of assertiveness against armed Kuki miscreants who targeted ordinary people.
Are the Centre and the State Government under the Kukis, she asked.
KIKJCP co-convenor Yumnam Ibeyaima also attended the press briefing.
Meanwhile, several women from Khurai Lamlong and Laipham Khunou attempted to march towards Khuman Lampak Sports Complex to protest against the staging of the Sangai Ethnic Music Concert amid the prevailing tension in the State.
However, security forces deployed at various points in both areas stopped the agitated women and prevented them from proceeding towards the venue.