Thadou Inpi Manipur Boycotts Sangai Festival 2025, Citing Neglect of IDP Crisis

In a press release issued by Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), the organisation announced its decision to boycott the Sangai Festival 2025, criticising the State Government for prioritising a tourism event while thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) continue to face unresolved hardships.

TIM stated that holding the festival at a time when displaced families are still struggling with inadequate facilities and uncertain rehabilitation reflects “misplaced priorities” and insensitivity toward suffering communities.

The organisation questioned the government’s recent appeal describing the festival as a symbol of resilience and unity, arguing that such claims ring hollow without a clear roadmap for peace, restoration and long-term settlement of IDPs.

TIM also highlighted a “disconnect” between government expenditure figures and the ground reality, noting a lack of clarity on the utilisation of the ₹180 crore rehabilitation fund and the status of new public assets proposed under the ₹250 crore allocation. Many relief camps, it said, still lack basic sanitation, clean water, healthcare, mental health support and education.

Further, TIM condemned the alleged exclusion of the Thadou community and other Scheduled Tribes from cultural representation in the festival, asserting that unity cannot be claimed without participation from all 33 Scheduled Tribes. It also expressed disappointment over the rejection of its demand for a third-category classification for IDPs living outside Manipur.

Stating that the government is “insensitive and unwilling” to understand the people’s suffering, TIM reiterated that it will boycott the festival until transparency, accountability and visible progress in rehabilitation are ensured.