IMPHAL, Oct 31: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) on Friday announced its full support for the boycott of the upcoming Sangai Festival, condemning the event as “insensitive” at a time when thousands of displaced persons continue to suffer in relief camps across Manipur.

Speaking at a press conference held at the COCOMI office in Lamphel, convenor Yumkhaibam Surjit Singh said that holding a state-sponsored festival amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis reflects a “complete disconnect” from the people’s pain.

“This is not an opportune time to celebrate when thousands of our people are suffering in relief camps,” Surjit said. “Conditions in many camps have become unbearable. Suicides are being reported as people lose hope and struggle to survive in inhuman circumstances.”

He added that the festival, which promotes tourism and cultural pride, stands in stark contrast to the grim realities of prolonged displacement, highway blockades, and continued unrest across the state.

COCOMI reaffirmed its solidarity with the displaced families and several civil society organisations that have already called for the boycott. It urged the state government to redirect funds and attention toward relief, rehabilitation, and peacebuilding efforts rather than festivities.

“When highways remain blocked, when children in relief camps are deprived of education and families face food shortages, it is meaningless to host a celebration,” Surjit stated. “The government should focus on rebuilding lives, not staging tourism events.”

The Sangai Festival, organised annually by the Department of Tourism, is one of Manipur’s largest cultural events, celebrating the state’s art, heritage, and natural beauty. Scheduled to take place later this month across multiple venues in Imphal and other districts, the festival typically draws visitors from across India and abroad.

However, this year’s edition has drawn sharp criticism amid continuing instability and over 60,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) still living in relief camps since violence erupted in May 2023.

Civil society groups, including those representing IDPs, have argued that the festival’s celebrations send the wrong message at a time when many continue to live without security, education, or adequate shelter.