Voices grow louder against Sangai Festival amid ongoing crisis in Manipur

Opposition to the preparation and conduct of the Sangai Festival 2025 continues to grow louder with more civil society and women’s organizations expressing strong resentment, terming the celebration as “untimely” and “insensitive” given the ongoing humanitarian and social crisis in the state.
Three major women’s organizations — the All Manipur Women’s Social Reformation and Development Samaj (Nupi Samaj), Ereipak Enaat Chanura Loinasillon Apunba Lup (EECHAL), and the All Manipur Tammi Chingmi Apunba Lup — on Thursday voiced their objection to the government’s preparations for the festival.
Speaking to media persons at the Manipur Press Club, leaders of the women’s bodies stated that it is inappropriate to hold a celebratory event when thousands of people remain displaced in relief camps, when free movement across highways remains restricted, and when citizens continue to endure the harshest living conditions in recent memory.
The MAPI Council and UPF, have also appealed to the Government of Manipur to cancel this year’s celebration of the Sangai Festival in view of the prevailing situation. In a statement, the Council said that organizing the festival at such a time “amounts to ignoring the continuing pain and tears of thousands affected by the ongoing crisis.”
Earlier, several other CSOs had also announced plans to boycott the Sangai Festival if it is held against the sentiments of the people.
As preparations for the state’s largest tourism event continue, voices from across sections of society are calling on the government to prioritize restoring normalcy and addressing the plight of the displaced before celebrating.