Manipur is preparing to host its annual Sangai Festival from November 21st to 30th, 2025, after a two-year hiatus due to the ethnic violence that erupted in 2023. The festival, named after the state's endangered brow-antlered deer, is Manipur's largest tourism event, showcasing the state's art, heritage, and indigenous traditions. The main venue for the 10-day festival will be Hapta Kangjeibung in Imphal, with other events potentially taking place across the state.
However, the revival of the festival has sparked controversy and calls for a boycott from various groups. These groups, including the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and representatives of internally displaced persons (IDPs), argue that holding the festival amid ongoing humanitarian distress is insensitive to the suffering of those still living in relief camps. COCOMI argues that the government is projecting a false image of peace while thousands remain displaced. The All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) has also voiced its opposition, stating that it is inappropriate to hold such a celebration when the state continues to face deep unrest.
Several Civil Society Organizations, including PANDM, IPSA, ACOAM-Lup, IPAK, KSA, ERDO, KANGLA MEI, KIL, CLK, SWA, LOYALUP, MIKAL, AKSIL, and ANDOK, have extended support to the boycott call. The Kangleipak Communist Party-Military Council (Progressive) has called for a 24-hour general strike in Manipur on November 19 to protest the festival. The KCP-MC has warned that if free movement for Meiteis on the National Highways is not allowed by December 3, 2025, it will impose a month-long bandh in the state.
Despite the boycott calls, the Manipur government is moving forward with preparations. Laborers are working to repaint structures, set up stalls, and refurbish the festival grounds at Hapta Kangjeibung. Security has been tightened with state and central forces deployed around the site. Government officials have defended the decision to hold the festival, stating that it aims to promote local entrepreneurship and offer economic opportunities for displaced families. Displaced vendors will be exempt from commercial stall fees.
The Sangai Festival, first organized in 2010, typically attracts visitors from across India and abroad. It showcases Manipur's diverse heritage through art, music, handicrafts, indigenous sports, cuisine, and adventure sports. The festival has been promoted as a way to boost the state's economy and promote tourism. However, critics argue that the government should focus on rebuilding lives and providing relief and rehabilitation to displaced persons rather than staging tourism events. Some suggest redirecting funds towards relief, rehabilitation, and peacebuilding efforts.
The ethnic violence in Manipur, which began in May 2023, has resulted in over 260 deaths and displaced more than 60,000 people. Many people remain in relief camps, struggling for justice and the restoration of normalcy. The free movement along National Highways is still restricted. The government had announced plans to resettle IDPs in three phases by December 2025, but some claim that no concrete steps have been taken. Some IDPs have stated that they will launch strong agitations with CSOs if the government proceeds with the festival without resettling them.
