Manipur's Sangai Festival Falls Flat Amid Protests, Low Attendance
Image Source: Internet
The long-awaited Sangai Festival in Manipur has got off to a dismal start, with organizers reporting a mere 8,000 to 9,000 visitors over the 10-day event. The festival, which was last held in 2022 before ethnic clashes erupted in May 2023, had expected a much larger turnout. However, protests by internally displaced persons (IDPs) have marred the event, with clashes between security forces and IDPs resulting in minor injuries to over 10 people. The festival, which was meant to showcase Manipur's cultural richness and tourism potential, has instead been overshadowed by the ongoing ethnic conflict. The attendance figures are a stark contrast to the 2.19 lakh people who visited the festival in 2022. Many stalls at the festival venue in Imphal East district remained closed, with those that were operational struggling to attract customers. The IDPs, who are demanding to return to their homes, have clashed with security forces multiple times over the past 10 days. The protests have been led by students, civil society organizations, and displaced persons from Churachandpur district and the periphery areas of Imphal East district. Despite the low attendance, the festival organizers had hoped that the event would help restore a sense of normalcy in the state. However, the protests have only served to highlight the ongoing crisis in Manipur. The state government has maintained that the festival was a success, but the low attendance and protests suggest otherwise. The only highlight of the festival was a musical concert by the British band 'Blue' on Saturday evening, which was attended by a sizeable crowd. However, the event was marred by the protests and low attendance, which has put a damper on the festival's spirit.
