The Farmers’ Wing of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has cautioned the state government against organizing the upcoming Sangai Festival, stating that the prevailing situation in the state is not conducive for such celebrations.
In a statement, Convenor of the COCOMI Farmers’ Wing, A.B. Singh, said that people across the state continue to suffer due to the protracted crisis that is nearing three years. Thousands remain displaced and are still staying in relief camps, unable to return to their homes.
He pointed out that large extents of paddy fields situated in the foothill and peripheral areas have remained uncultivated since the beginning of the conflict, leading to severe economic hardship among the farming community. Several hectares of farmland have reportedly gone to waste for three consecutive years, worsening the livelihood crisis, the statement noted.
It further said that people remained restricted in movement along national highways and were still facing problems while traveling out of the State for business or medical purposes.
The COCOMI Farmers’ Wing has asserted that celebrating a Sangai Festival when there is still suffering and displacement of people cannot be appropriate, let alone acceptable.