Manipur Sangai fest row: COCOMI calls statewide Nov 21 ‘cease-work’ shutdown

Imphal, Nov 18: Amid rising public frustration and a deepening humanitarian crisis, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an influential valley-based civil body, has announced a state-wide boycott of the Sangai Festival 2025.

The group has called for a mass sit-in protest on November 20 and a “cease-work, stay-at-home” strike on November 21, the festival’s opening day.

COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba said the decision was driven by the continued suffering of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the inability of the state’s 1.5 million residents to travel freely along the National Highways for more than two-and-a-half years.

“Considering all these unfortunate situations, COCOMI has decided to extend full solidarity and cooperation to the mass sit-in protest. We call upon all the people of the state to participate and boycott the Sangai Festival,” Athouba said, asserting that the event “is not a festival of the people; it is merely an event for administrators and government agents.”

He further appealed to residents across Manipur to remain indoors on November 21 and organise locality-level sit-ins with banners declaring non-participation.

COCOMI also rejected the government’s invitation for talks with the Chief Secretary, describing it as “short notice” and lacking any agenda.

“We require due consultation with other civil bodies on such critical matters. We rejected the invitation,” Athouba said.

Earlier on Monday night, amid mounting tensions, the Governor convened a closed-door meeting with MLAs and top officials, seeking their support to ensure the Sangai Festival proceeds peacefully.

The Opposition Congress, reacting to the developments, said it would stand by the sentiments of those affected by the ongoing conflict.

“We are bound to support any decision collectively made by the IDPs,” party leaders said, signalling alignment with displaced communities’ concerns.

Meanwhile, the government officials have defended the decision to go ahead with the festival, saying it is crucial for “restoring stability and reviving the economy”.

They noted that the ethnic crisis has severely hit Manipur’s tourism sector, one of the state’s key sources of revenue and employment.

“Sangai Festival or other festivals not only help in generating revenue and reviving tourism, it will also bring back a sense of normalcy in the state, which is the need of the hour,” a senior official said.

COCOMI’s mobilisation, combined with political and public pressure, is expected to significantly shape the atmosphere around this year’s festival.