Manipur Congress Slams BJP Govt for Pushing Sangai Festival Amid Rising IDP Protests

Imphal: Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Keisham Meghachandra launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led state and central governments, accusing them of failing to restore peace and normalcy while pressing ahead with the Sangai Tourism Festival.

Speaking at Congress Bhawan, Meghachandra said the surge in protests by internally displaced persons (IDPs) and civil society organisations across the Imphal Valley exposes the “double-engine government’s” complete inability to resolve the 18-month-long ethnic conflict or ensure the safe return of thousands still languishing in relief camps.

He pointed out that repeated assurances from both Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to complete phased rehabilitation of IDPs by December have fallen flat, leaving affected families without hope.

“The government is clearly not serious about ending the violence. Empty promises of resettlement have collapsed, and people continue to suffer in sub-human conditions in relief camps,” the MPCC chief said.

Protests have intensified in the valley districts in the run-up to the Sangai Festival, with displaced residents demanding that peace be restored before the state promotes tourism. On Monday, hundreds of IDPs from camps in Imphal East attempted to march back to their villages but were stopped by security forces at Dolaithabi, leading to a brief clash that left at least four protesters injured.

The Congress leader warned that holding a high-profile tourism event while large sections of the population remain homeless and insecure sends an insensitive message both within Manipur and to the outside world.

Meghachandra called on the government to immediately prioritise inclusive dialogue, speedy rehabilitation, and restoration of security in conflict-hit areas instead of focusing on “festive optics” while the crisis deepens.

Also Read: Manipur: Clashes Erupt in Imphal East as IDPs Attempt to Return Home After Nearly Two Years