Imphal: The Manipur government has begun preparations to host the state’s annual Sangai Festival later this month, marking its return after a two-year break caused by the 2023 ethnic violence.
At Hapta Kangjeibung, the main venue in Imphal, labourers are busy repainting structures, setting up stalls, and refurbishing the festival grounds.
Security has been tightened with both state and central forces deployed around the site, officials said.
Scheduled from November 21 to 30, the Sangai Festival is Manipur’s premier tourism and cultural event, showcasing the state’s art, heritage, and indigenous traditions.
However, its revival this year has sparked criticism and calls for a boycott from several Imphal valley-based groups, including the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and representatives of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
COCOMI argued that holding the festival amid ongoing humanitarian distress undermines the suffering of those still living in relief camps.
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“Thousands remain displaced and livelihoods destroyed, yet the government seems intent on projecting an image of normalcy through celebrations,” the group said in a statement.
Government officials, however, have defended the decision, saying the event aims to promote local entrepreneurship and offer economic opportunities for displaced families.
“The festival will provide a platform for IDPs to display and sell their products,” an official said, adding that no deposit or stall allotment fees would be charged for displaced vendors.
A notification from the Directorate of Trade, Commerce and Industries confirmed that IDPs participating as entrepreneurs would be exempted from commercial stall fees.
