The Manipur Sangai Festival 2025 opened this evening at Hapta Kangjeibung, but the first day was marked by a boycott called by CSOs and IDPs, along with noticeably low public attendance.
While the festival venues were fully prepared for the opening, visitor presence remained minimal. Most people present appeared to be government officials, invited guests and deployed security forces, with very few members of the public seen at the site. Large portions of the food court and craft stalls remained closed, with only two or three departmental stalls operating, indicating that many private exhibitors and entrepreneurs did not participate on the opening day.
The atmosphere followed a boycott call issued by COCOMI and displaced families, who asserted that holding a major cultural festival was not appropriate while thousands of IDPs remain in relief camps. The call gained momentum today as IDP groups demonstrated at Lamlong Bazar, demanding resettlement, restoration of free movement and prioritisation of rehabilitation over celebration. The protest followed COCOMI-supported sit-ins across the Imphal valley yesterday.
Security was significantly heightened around Hapta Kangjeibung, with barricades, checkpoints and armoured vehicles positioned on access routes to prevent any attempt by protesters to reach the festival ground.
Despite the tense situation and the visibly subdued crowd, the inaugural ceremony proceeded as scheduled.
In the evening, Governor of Manipur Ajay Kumar Bhalla formally inaugurated the 12th Edition of the Manipur Sangai Festival by cutting the ribbon at Hapta Kangjeibung. The Governor and the First Lady later attended the cultural presentation at the Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT).
During his address, the Governor highlighted the Sangai Festival as a platform for cultural expression, entrepreneurship and tourism development. He stressed Manipur’s global identity as the birthplace of Modern Polo (Sagol Kangjei) and mentioned ongoing efforts for the preservation of the Manipuri Pony. He also stated that over 135 tourist sites are being identified for holistic development.
Acknowledging the humanitarian situation, the Governor said that ensuring the wellbeing of Internally Displaced Persons remains a core responsibility of the State, referring to ongoing measures such as financial assistance, prefabricated housing and phased rehabilitation. He urged people to view the festival as an opportunity to build unity, peace and resilience.
The inaugural programme was attended by MLAs Th. Biswajit Singh and Th. Basanta Kumar, the Chief Secretary, Security Advisor, DGP, Advocate General, other senior officials and invited guests.
