IDPs line up mega protest against proposed Sangai Fest

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 17 : In a new development, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have resolved to stage an extensive sit-in protest on November 20 opposing the conduct of the Sangai Festival by the Manipur Government from November 21 to 30.
The decision was made during a public meeting held at Langol Alternative Housing Complex attended by Churachandpur Meitei United Committee (CMUC), Meitei Council Moreh (MCM), Committee on Protection of Meetei Victims (COPMeV), Moreh, Apex Committee of Meitei Villages, Imphal East, Kangpokpi Meitei Union, Torbung Gram Panchayat Victims Committee and representatives from different relief camps, said Leishangthem Brojendro Meitei, secretary, MCM.
Speaking to media persons today at Mangang Luwang Khuman Shanglen, Langol on behalf of the IDPs, Brojendro questioned if the PR administration's decision to hold the Sangai Festival in a bid to show off its achievements in the strife-torn State is the right step.
He posed this question while highlighting the protracted crisis and the Govt's lack of success in executing their three-phase resettlement plan for the IDPs.
He also reminded people that the festival has been on hiatus after the 11th Manipur Sangai Festival of 2022 due to the eruption of violence on May 3, 2023.
Meanwhile, highlighting the plight of the IDPs, CMUC convenor Naba Ningthoujam said that out of Rs 1 lakh entitled to each IDP household, only a  sum of Rs 25,000 has been distributed.
Many households are yet to receive even this sum.
The Government is also failing to fully execute the initiatives it announced.
He urged the citizens of Manipur to ponder how the displaced folks have been surviving for more than 2 years since fleeing their homes.
The conflict has not been resolved. A respite in gun-fire does not mean restoration of peace. Under such circumstances, he questioned the PR administration's interest in hosting the festival and called it a move to incite widespread protests from the people.
Acknowledging that the Govt might forcefully conduct the festival despite strong public disapproval, he asserted that it will see no participation from the IDPs. If Govt officials, private individuals or groups are found making displaced folks partake in the festival, the organisers should bear the consequences, cautioned Naba.
The PR administration is hosting the Sangai Festival to deceive people into thinking that peace has returned in Manipur, said COPMeV convenor Thangjam Budha Meitei.
Urging the Government to conduct it after proper resettlement of the IDPs, he made an appeal to people to boycott the Sangai Festival and sought the support of CSOs as well.