AMMSO Calls Sangai Festival “Insensitive” as Thousands Remain Displaced

AMMSO affirms that no part of Manipur belongs exclusively to any group, urging unity over division

AMMSO President Imtiyas Heibokmayum has strongly criticised the State Government’s decision to proceed with the Sangai Festival 2025, calling it “deeply insensitive” at a time when Manipur continues to struggle with an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

In a press release issued on Thursday, the All Manipur Muslim Students’ Organisation (AMMSO) said the conduct of a grand cultural celebration while thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) remain in relief camps shows a “complete disconnect from ground realities.”

“Celebrating culture and tourism holds no meaning when countless citizens remain homeless, traumatised, and deprived of the fundamental rights and stability they once had,” AMMSO stated.

The organisation expressed concern that more than two years after the outbreak of violence, a large number of IDPs are still living without basic dignity, security, or a clear rehabilitation roadmap. It accused the government of prioritising spectacle over people’s suffering.

AMMSO further alleged that the decision to proceed with the festival is aimed at projecting a “false sense of normalcy” while the real crisis remains unaddressed.

“Economic revival cannot and should not be pursued at the cost of justice, rehabilitation, and social healing,” the statement said.

The organisation noted that the government has moved ahead with festival preparations despite repeated appeals and boycotts by IDPs, civil society groups, and community organisations.

Supports Boycott, Calls for Postponement

AMMSO expressed solidarity with all displaced communities and groups opposing the event.

“We firmly support their call for boycott, peaceful protest, and the demand for postponement until the state ensures tangible, transparent, and time-bound rehabilitation measures,” the organisation added.

It urged the government to refrain from using festivals as a façade to mask ongoing suffering.

“True peace cannot be celebrated — it must be rebuilt through justice, compassion, and meaningful engagement,” AMMSO said.

Focus on Rehabilitation, Not Celebration

Calling the Sangai Festival an “affront to the pain of thousands,” AMMSO said no festival, regardless of grandeur, can overshadow the suffering endured by the people of Manipur.

The organisation accused the State of using the festival as a tool to “conceal the reality on the ground and divert attention from the pain and displacement” affecting everyday life for thousands.

Demands Immediate Return of All IDPs

AMMSO urged both the State and Central Governments to prioritise the immediate and safe return of IDPs from Imphal, Bishnupur, Kakching, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Moreh, Sugnu, Serou, Checkon, Langol, Lamphel, Konung Mamang and other affected areas.

“All communities — whether Meitei or Kuki — must be enabled to return to their pre–3rd May homes without fear, discrimination, or division,” the release said.

It further stressed that there must be no segregation on ethnic lines, stating that Manipur has always been a shared land of diverse communities.

“The future of Manipur lies in restoring coexistence, not deepening separation,” AMMSO emphasised.