Veteran politician O. Joy has criticised the state government’s decision to press ahead with the Sangai Festival, warning that the ongoing unrest in Manipur began when the government “went gaga over festivals” instead of focusing on security.
He argued that the prolonged crisis is rooted in an intelligence failure that occurred precisely because the authorities were more occupied with celebration than precaution.
Pointing to the current situation, Joy questioned the appropriateness of hosting another grand festival while the state remains unstable and communities continue to struggle for safety.
He further noted that the festival budget, reportedly around Rs. 17 crore, can be reappropriated for emergency needs, asserting that the money will not be lost if diverted responsibly.
He remarked that holding a festival at a time when “the Meitei community cannot even save itself” reflects misplaced priorities.
