“Free movement first”: Displaced families oppose Sangai Festival amid crisis

A mass sit-in protest was organised on Thursday, November 20 across several relief camps in Manipur’s valley districts, with displaced residents strongly opposing the state government’s plan to hold the Sangai Festival amid the ongoing crisis.

Protesters displayed placards reading “Free Movement First, Then Sangai Festival”, “We Boycott Sangai Festival”, and “First Resettlement, Then Celebration”, demanding that the government prioritise their rehabilitation over hosting the event.

Speaking to the media, a woman from the Lamboikhongnang Khong Relief Camp, which shelters over 700 inmates, said it was deeply unfortunate that the government—currently under President’s Rule—was preparing to celebrate the festival while thousands remain displaced.

She questioned why the authorities were focusing on festivities when people in relief camps continued to struggle without proper resettlement.
“Aren’t we citizens of Manipur? Why is the government ignoring our resettlement and free movement issues?” she asked.

The protester further appealed to the public to avoid attending the Sangai Festival, stating that the government may be powerful, but people can collectively make their voices heard.
“Let us celebrate the Sangai Festival only when peace is fully restored,” she added.

The Sangai Festival is scheduled to begin tomorrow and continue until November 30. This year’s edition is being organised after a two-year break due to the conflict.