The Sangai Festival 2025 has been formally boycotted by the Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), citing the government’s decision to proceed with a tourism event while thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) continue to live without adequate rehabilitation, clarity or security.
The prioritisation of a festival over humanitarian issues has been described by the organisation as an act of insensitivity and misplaced governance.
In its statement, it was expressed that the State Government’s last-minute appeal portraying the festival as a symbol of “resilience, hope, economic growth and unity” cannot be justified at a time when displaced families are still struggling with poor facilities, uncertainty and trauma. It was questioned whether resilience could be claimed by a government that has not delivered a concrete peace roadmap or long-term settlement plan for IDPs.
It was further stated that what people urgently require is not a celebration of tourism, but clarity and visible action on peace, restoration and rehabilitation. It was argued that economic plans, investment opportunities and market linkages cannot thrive in the absence of stability and dignified resettlement. It was emphasized that no festival can replace the responsibility of restoring homes, dignity and security to affected citizens.
The organisation alleged a wide gap between the government’s released expenditure figures and the real condition of IDPs on the ground. Questions were raised regarding the number of families reportedly resettled, houses rebuilt under the ₹2180-crore fund, and the utilisation of the announced ₹2250-crore allocation. Relief camps were described as still lacking basic sanitation, clean water, healthcare, mental health care and educational support. TIM asserted that no clear timeline has been provided regarding the completion of new public assets promised under government projects.
The State’s claim of promoting unity through the festival was also challenged on the grounds of cultural exclusion. According to TIM, the refusal to include Thadou cultural presentations in recent state programmes and the possible exclusion of tribes from the upcoming event contradicted the government’s narrative of inclusivity. It was noted that unity cannot be portrayed when even one of the 33 Scheduled Tribes is absent. It was also stated that the rejection of TIM’s demand for a third-category IDP classification for those living outside Manipur had discouraged pro-peace supporters.
The festival’s intention was described as lacking sincerity from the beginning, with officials accused of undermining democratic values and peace efforts by ignoring legitimate community grievances. The organisation expressed that selective representation and biased decision-making could encourage unrest rather than harmony.
Until transparency is ensured through verifiable data and physical evidence of rehabilitation, and until visible progress is made, the Sangai Festival 2025 will continue to be opposed and boycotted by Thadou Inpi Manipur. The government has been urged to act with fairness, empathy and responsibility toward the affected population.
