Tension in Manipur’s Imphal as Indian forces disperse IDPs protesting tourism festival
Imphal: Tension erupted in Imphal East in strife-torn Manipur after Indian forces fired tear gas shells and resorted to lathicharge to disperse groups of internally displaced persons (IDPs) attempting to storm the main venue of the Sangai Festival at Hapta Kangjeibung.
According to Kashmir Media Service, members of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (CCCOMI), along with large numbers of IDPs, have been urging authorities to cancel the festival, citing the immense suffering endured over nearly three years. They called the event “highly insensitive,” given the ongoing crisis faced by displaced families. The tourism festival, held annually from November 21-30, is being organized after a two-year hiatus.
IDPs living in relief camps marched toward the festival grounds, attempting to breach barricades. Indian forces deployed at the venue resorted to tear gas and lathis to disperse the crowd, triggering panic in the area.
CCOMI condemned the “brutal and unprovoked actions” against peaceful protesters, which resulted in multiple injuries. One of its leaders was arrested. “Such excessive and targeted use of force against civil society leaders violates democratic norms and fundamental rights,” the organization said in a statement.
Speaking to media, COCOMI convener Khuraijam Athouba said, “The administration does not understand the sentiment of the people. Our priority is not the festival, it is to restore our fundamental rights, to ensure IDPs return home safely, to open the highway and let people move freely. The administration has undermined the humanitarian crisis we are facing. It has given high priority to organize such a festival which is not related to the people of Manipur.”
Earlier, IDPs held sit-in demonstrations at multiple locations across the strife-torn state. Protesters displayed placards with messages like, “Resettlement First, Then Sangai Festival,” “Free Movement First, Next Sangai Festival,” “We Want to Go Home,” and “We Are Not Beggars.” Many vowed to boycott the festival until their demands for resettlement and freedom of movement are met.
