Manipur IDPs Intensify Protests, Boycott Sangai Festival as Rehabilitation Delays Deepen Crisis

The humanitarian crisis in Manipur deepened as thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the state intensified protests, urging the government to prioritise their resettlement.

Sit-ins, torch rallies, public memoranda, and widespread boycott calls have dominated the state’s socio-political landscape.

The displaced persons have started a month-long sit-in at Lamboikhongnangkhong, Imphal West. A displaced person said that for more than two-and-a-half years, thousands of families displaced by ethnic violence have been living in relief camps across Imphal East, Imphal West, Churachandpur, and Bishnupur. Many say the celebration of the Sangai festival in the last week of November, while they remain homeless, underscores the government’s insensitivity to their suffering.

IDPs from camps such as Khuga Tampak, Sajiwa, Sawombung, Sagoltongba, and Konthoujam said they had already appealed to the government early in November to defer the festival until meaningful steps toward rehabilitation were taken.

A woman at a relief camp said she was living in a makeshift camp.

Protesters from Ikou, Yengkhuman, Dolaithabi, Litanpokpi, Mairenpat, and Sadu-Lampak demanded accountability and a clear timeline for resettlement. They returned the state’s daily subsistence allowance of Rs 84 per person, calling it a “token gesture that cannot replace a home.”

In another significant show of dissent, IDPs from Sagoltongba and Konthoujam organised a torchlight rally towards Patsoi, raising slogans such as “Resettle the IDPs,” “Peace first, festival later,” and “We want justice.” The rally was stopped by police near Patsoi police station, leading to a brief confrontation.

The boycott of the state-level tourism festival, the Sangai festival, had visible effects. All venues wore a deserted look. Many stalls remained empty, with vendors reporting severe financial losses. Several events, including the much-promoted Children’s Disneyland Show, were dismantled due to negligible footfall. Many stall-owners who had invested money in preparation said they could not recover even half of their costs.

Under pressure, the state government formed state- and district-level committees to accelerate rehabilitation and resettlement. Officials reiterated that the government was “deeply committed” to restoring normalcy and ensuring safe return. Yet, IDPs remain unconvinced. Many insist that multiple deadlines have passed without action.

The absence of a clear, time-bound plan for their return, including security guarantees, reconstruction of destroyed homes and schools, and livelihood restoration, lies at the heart of the standoff.

As the Sangai Festival concludes under the shadow of widespread boycott, Manipur’s displaced communities continue their struggle for dignity and justice. Their message remains unchanged: no celebration can hold meaning until every displaced family returns home safely.