IDPs Clash with Security Forces in Manipur as Tensions Rise Ahead of Sangai Festival
Tensions are escalating in Manipur as internally displaced persons (IDPs) clashed with security forces while attempting to return to their homes. These confrontations occurred against the backdrop of the ongoing Sangai Festival, which has become a focal point of contention. The IDPs are demanding resettlement before the state proceeds with festivities.
On Saturday, hundreds of displaced residents, who have been living in relief camps since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, marched towards their homes in Gwaltabi, located on the outskirts of the Senapati district. Security personnel intercepted them at Yaingangpokpi, triggering tensions that quickly escalated. Security forces used tear gas to disperse the crowd. S. Ibemcha Devi, one of the protesters, questioned why they were not allowed to return home if the government claimed normalcy had been restored. An official stated that the situation remains tense but is currently under control. Similar clashes between IDPs and security forces have occurred several times since the Sangai Festival commenced on November 21.
Earlier in the week, on Monday, hundreds of IDPs clashed with security forces in Imphal East district as they attempted to return to their homes. The IDPs, who had been staying in relief camps, attempted to march towards their homes but were stopped by security forces, who then fired tear gas shells to disperse the protesters. The IDPs asserted that with the Sangai Festival underway, normalcy should have returned, allowing them to go back to their villages. S Kumarjit Meitei, a protester, questioned why security forces couldn't deal with militants instead of forcing them to remain in camps.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an umbrella body of Meitei civil society organizations, has criticized the state government for organizing the Sangai Tourism Festival without resolving the ethnic crisis and ensuring the rehabilitation of displaced people. Ahead of the festival, various IDP groups and CSOs called for a cease-work strike and urged the public to boycott the festival. The Meitei community has also labeled two MLAs who attended the festival's inauguration as "Enemies of the People". Protests took place across the state on the festival's opening day, with reports of injuries during the agitations.
The Sangai Festival, an annual cultural event organized by the Manipur Tourism Department from November 21st to 30th, is named after the Sangai, Manipur's state animal, a rare brow-antlered deer. Since 2010, the festival has showcased Manipur's art, culture, handloom, handicrafts, indigenous sports, cuisine, music, and adventure sports. It aims to promote Manipur as a world-class tourism destination. The festival occurs at various venues in Imphal and nearby areas, with the opening ceremony traditionally held at Loktak Lake and Keibul Lamjao National Park.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, the Assam Rifles recovered five IEDs in the Tengnoupal district, preventing a potential security threat. This recovery adds to the already tense environment surrounding the Sangai Festival. The ethnic strife in Manipur between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups has resulted in more than 260 deaths and thousands of people being displaced since May 2023.
