The G-5, a conglomerate of five proscribed valley-based militant groups, has issued a stern warning announcing punitive action against individuals and organisations that participated in the recently concluded Sangai Festival.
In a strongly worded statement signed jointly by H. Ibomcha of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), C. Langamba of the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), Ch. Malemnganba of the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), L. Ibochouba of PREPAK (Progressive), and Ksh. Yoiheiba of the Koireng led United National Liberation Front (UNLF), the G-5 said it had unanimously resolved in its November 28 meeting to “punish all those who supported or took part” in the state-organised event.
The groups stated that their decision stemmed from what they described as the “legitimate and rational” call by internally displaced persons (IDPs) to boycott the Sangai Festival. The IDPs had announced the boycott on October 30, 22 days ahead of the festival’s commencement. The G-5 said it had extended “moral support” to the boycott “in solidarity with the suffering people”.
In a major announcement, the G-5 imposed a one-year ban—from December 10, 2025 to December 10, 2026—on four prominent Sumang Leela troupes: Sana Leibak Nachom Artists’ Association, Chumthang Creative Artists’ Association, Kamakhya Sangeet Mandal and Samadon Artists’ Association.
The statement further imposed a three-year ban on Manipur State Sumang Leela Council president Laishram Tomba and the council’s lifetime secretary Sougrakpam Hemanta @ Tolhan, prohibiting them from taking part in any Sumang Leela activities from December 10, 2025 to December 10, 2028. Both have been directed to resign from their posts by December 10, 2025.
The G-5 also demanded that all “reactionary artists, business enterprises, professionals, and stall owners” who took part in the Sangai Festival issue a public apology by December 10, 2025.