AMSU joins call to boycott Sangai Festival amid ongoing crisis

The All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) has voiced its opposition to the organisation of the upcoming Manipur Sangai Festival, stating that it is inappropriate to hold such a celebration when the state continues to face deep unrest and suffering.
In a statement issued by Stith Serto Rengneier Kom, Publicity and Information Secretary of AMSU, the student body stated that the festival, named after the State Animal “Sangai,” was first launched in 2010 by the Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur, with the aim of promoting tourism, showcasing Manipur’s culture, crafts, and natural beauty. However, AMSU stated that the festival has now lost its original spirit and has become a show of extravagance at a time when the people are reeling under an unresolved humanitarian crisis.
The statement recalled that since the violent conflict that broke out on May 3, 2023, many people have been displaced, with numerous houses burnt and thousands still taking shelter in relief camps. The union pointed out that the situation remains grim, as people continue to struggle for justice and the restoration of normalcy while free movement along the National Highways is still not possible.
Under such circumstances, AMSU asserted that organising a grand festival like the Sangai Festival is insensitive to the plight of those suffering and displaced. The union declared that it will boycott the festival in solidarity with the internally displaced persons (IDPs), echoing the stand of the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), which has also announced a boycott of the event.
AMSU urged the people of Manipur to stand united and join the boycott in respect of those who have been rendered homeless and continue to live in distress due to the ongoing crisis.