The League of Indigenous Peoples Upliftment (LIPUL) has backed the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI)’s call to boycott this year’s Sangai Festival, saying the prevailing situation in Manipur is not conducive to holding a major state-sponsored festival.
In a statement, LIPUL General Secretary AB. Elangbam said the government should instead prioritise the safe and dignified resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), many of whom remain in relief camps unable to return home amid the ongoing conflict.
LIPUL questioned the use of government resources and administrative machinery for the festival when displaced families continue to face difficulties. It asked why funds allocated for the event could not instead be directed towards rehabilitation and resettlement.
The organisation also accused the State and Central governments of failing to take decisive action against groups it alleged were involved in activities detrimental to Manipur’s interests, including what it described as “Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist” groups.
LIPUL said people on both sides of the conflict continue to suffer and questioned the rationale for holding a major festival while the crisis remains unresolved.
It urged the government to take responsibility for resolving the conflict, ensure accountability for those responsible for violence and discharge its constitutional responsibilities towards the people.
LIPUL also said decisions taken by the Centre without considering the concerns and wishes of the people of Manipur would not be acceptable, while stating that it would support government measures aimed at resolving the crisis.
The organisation appealed to the people to support the boycott call, citing the public response to COCOMI’s campaign last year, and called for collective action to address the crisis confronting the state.