November 21, 2025 : The people of Khongjom Circle, Thoubal district, have decided to boycott the Sangai Festival, which is being held for 10 days starting from November 21. The decision was made by the people of Khongjom Circle during a sit-in protest staged at Khongjom Keithel on Friday.
The protest was jointly organized by the Khongjom Circle Meira Paibi Forum, FatherLand Patriots Memorial Club, Khongjom Keithel, and IYC Khongjom.
Attending the protest, the General Secretary of the Khongjom Circle Meira Paibi Forum, Mutum Ongbi Nirmala Leima, stated that the festival is not relevant in the current situation.
She further reiterated that the people of Khongjom Circle are demanding the government prioritize the welfare of the IDPs who are living in relief camps. “We are also demanding that the government reconsider holding the festival when the state is facing a crisis,” she added.
The protesters were seen holding placards with slogans such as “Manipur people don’t need Sangai Festival now,” “Why tourism when people are suffering?” and “Right to live is more important than tourism.”
