Imphal: The Sangai Festival in Manipur kicked off on Friday (November 21) amid protests by internally displaced persons (IDPs) and members of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI).
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurated the 12th edition of the Sangai Festival at Hapta Kangjeibung in Imphal, marking the festival’s vibrant return after a hiatus of two years.
The festival could not be organised over the past two years due to the ethnic conflict.
Many are opposing the annual festival as they feel the Manipur government should have resolved the ethnic conflict and resettled the IDPs before organising tourism events. The ethnic conflict between the tribal Kuki-Zo and the non-tribal Meitei communities broke out on May 3, 2023.
The governor toured the festival venue before addressing the audience at the Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT).
He highlighted the Sangai Festival as a unifying platform that showcases Manipur’s cultural richness, tourism potential, and entrepreneurial spirit.
He noted that while the festival spans around ten days, its impact extends far beyond the celebration, contributing to wider economic resurgence and creating long-term opportunities for artisans, youth, and local enterprises.
The governor also emphasised the festival’s message of oneness, celebrating heritage from indigenous arts and sports to Manipur being the birthplace of Modern Polo.
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Manipur was placed under President’s rule on February 13 this year after the BJP failed to reach a consensus on a successor to N Biren Singh, who had resigned as Chief Minister on February 9. He stepped down just a day before his government was due to face a no-confidence motion and a floor test.
