Thousands of Manipur residents stayed away from Hapta Kangjeibung on Thursday as the State inaugurated the 12th Sangai Festival under an atmosphere of confrontation, with public protests and calls for boycott overshadowing the event.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla opened the festival on Friday at the main Imphal venue, even as several civil organisations, including Internally Displaced Persons’ groups and the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), denounced the celebrations. They argued the State had “no moral standing” to hold a cultural extravaganza while thousands of people remained displaced and normalcy continued to elude large parts of Manipur.
Despite a heavy security deployment, the inauguration drew what authorities privately conceded was one of the festival’s lowest-ever turnouts. Protest groups had earlier staged demonstrations, warning that the government’s decision disregarded the humanitarian crisis still unfolding across relief camps.
The Governor, accompanied by the First Lady, toured the festival grounds before addressing the gathering at the Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT). In his remarks, Bhalla described Manipur’s cultural heritage as “a national treasure” and maintained that the Sangai Festival “continues to serve as a powerful platform showcasing Manipur’s cultural diversity, entrepreneurial spirit, and tourism potential.”
Also read: Sangai Festival protest turns violent in Imphal
He recalled the State’s pride as the birthplace of Modern Polo, known locally as Sagol Kangjei, and drew attention to efforts underway to protect the endangered Manipuri Pony. The multi-venue model adopted this year, he said, reflected “the State’s resilience and collective drive toward economic recovery.”
The Governor highlighted government efforts to revitalise the tourism sector, saying over 135 potential tourist sites were being assessed for integrated development. The festival, he added, was expected to uplift artisans, young entrepreneurs, and local enterprises seeking post-conflict revival.
Responding to criticism over the timing of the celebrations, Bhalla acknowledged that the humanitarian crisis remained a pressing concern. He said the welfare of Internally Displaced Persons was a “top government priority”, outlining steps such as phased rehabilitation, financial assistance, prefabricated shelters, and targeted cash-support schemes. These measures, he asserted, aim to restore “stability, security, and dignity” to affected families.
Calling for unity, the Governor appealed to Manipur’s communities to view the festival as a “Festival of Oneness”, expressing hope that peace and harmony would soon be restored.
This year’s programme features cultural showcases, indigenous games, adventure activities, literary sessions, film screenings, the Hiyang Tannaba boat race, tourism familiarisation tours, and the Cherry Blossom Festival at Mao. The inaugural event was attended by MLAs Biswajit Singh and Basanta Kumar, the Chief Secretary, Security Advisor, DGP, Advocate General, senior officials, and members of the public.
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