The situation escalated when protesters overpowered two police personnel during the clash. One officer was released immediately; the second was freed only after assurances that security forces would not forcibly remove the blockade. Protesters vowed not to retreat until the festival is cancelled.
BY PC Bureau
November 21, 2025: Violent confrontations erupted on Thursday morning between security forces and hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) at Khurai Lamlong in Imphal East district, as displaced families mounted a determined protest against the Manipur government’s decision to go ahead with the high-profile Sangai Festival while over 60,000 people remain homeless more than two-and-a-half years after the ethnic violence began.
Tensions exploded when protesters — including women and children from multiple relief camps — attempted to march towards the main festival venue at Hapta Kangjeibung in central Imphal. Manipur Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel formed layered barricades and fired dozens of tear gas shells to halt the advancing crowd. Stones were thrown from both sides, turning the stretch into a battlefield for nearly an hour.
Three police personnel sustained injuries in the stone-pelting, officials confirmed. Amid the chaos, protesters managed to overpower and briefly detain two Manipur Police officers who had moved too close to the frontline. One officer was released following negotiations, while the second was freed only after senior officials assured demonstrators that security forces would not forcibly remove the ongoing highway blockade at Khurai Lamlong.
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Protesters declared they would not retreat unless the government cancelled the festival. “How can they dance, sing and spend crores on tourism while thousands of us are still eating one meal a day in tents? This is an insult to every displaced family,” a woman protest leader was heard screaming in a video.
Residents from major relief camps — including Sawombung, Sajiwa, Sinam, Koirengei and others across Imphal East and West — joined the demonstration under the banner of various camp committees. Many held placards reading “No Celebration While We Suffer”, “Cancel Sangai Festival”, and “Justice for IDPs First”. Women formed sit-in chains across the highway while children clutching empty ration bags participated in slogans, adding a poignant dimension to the protest.
READ:
#BREAKING | A clash erupted in Imphal East, Manipur as Police, IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) and members of COCOMI confronted each other amid attempts to boycott the Sangai Festival. IDPs were seen pressing their demand for rehabilitation. pic.twitter.com/cGc46WrXLh
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) November 21, 2025
For the 10-day Sangai Festival the government has allocated several crores for elaborate stages, cultural performances and promotional activities, expecting significant domestic and international tourist turnout.
IDP leaders have condemned the timing as “cruel and provocative”, stressing that:
- Over 60,000 people remain in relief camps with no comprehensive rehabilitation plan
- Prefabricated homes sanctioned two years ago are still undelivered to most eligible families
- Ration supply has been irregular in several camps
- Hundreds of displaced children face disrupted education, with many forced to drop out
The blockade at Khurai Lamlong has brought traffic to a complete standstill in both directions, with tailbacks stretching several kilometres. Security forces remain heavily deployed but have avoided further use of force after the morning clash.
Protest leaders have warned of intensified agitation across the Imphal valley if the government refuses to suspend the festival immediately.
