Clashes erupted in Imphal on Thursday as a large group of protesters attempted to storm the main venue of the Sangai tourism festival, prompting security forces to fire tear gas shells and resort to baton charges to disperse them.
The demonstrators, many of whom were mobilised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), gathered at Konung Mamang near the festival grounds to demand that the state resolve the ongoing conflict and ensure the resettlement of internally displaced persons before holding any tourism event. Ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which began in May 2023, has displaced thousands and claimed more than 260 lives.
Officials said the protesters were initially asked to disperse or hold their demonstration peacefully. However, as the crowd swelled and began advancing towards the venue, security personnel found themselves outnumbered and fired several rounds of tear gas shells. A scuffle followed near Maharaja Bodhchandra College where demonstrators, including women, attempted to push through barricades before being pushed back by a baton charge.
Also read: Manipur IDPs protest in relief camps against Sangai festival
The Sangai festival, slated to run from November 21 to 30, is being held after a two-year suspension due to the state’s unrest. The government had earlier appealed to residents to participate, arguing that the event would help revive the local economy.
“While the relief and rehabilitation of IDPs is the top priority for the state government, holding of Sangai festival is also important for economic acceleration and providing market linkages to local artisans, entrepreneurs, craftsmen and farmers, boosting trade and investment,” Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel said on Monday.
Normal life in parts of Imphal valley was partially affected on Wednesday by a 24-hour bandh called by a proscribed organisation opposing the festival.
Despite the tensions, authorities have maintained that preparations for the festival will continue.
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