Sangai Fest row deepens: 24-hr KCP-MC bandh paralyses Imphal, valley districts
The shutdown came a day ahead of a mass sit-in protest called by COCOMI on Nov 20 as part of a state-wide boycott of the festival
Imphal, Nov 19: Normal life came to a standstill in Manipur on Wednesday as a 24-hour shutdown, called by the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (Military Council) (KCP-MC), paralysed movement across Imphal and valley districts in protest against the upcoming Sangai Festival 2025.
Educational institutions, private businesses and commercial establishments remained closed throughout the day.
The capital’s major trading hubs, including Thangal Bazar and Paona Bazar, downed shutters, while the usually bustling Konung Mamang morning market, known for heavy footfall from traders across districts, remained deserted.
Shops with shutters down in Imphal West, Manipur (Photo: AT)
Although a handful of private vehicles were seen within Imphal city, inter-district travel was suspended and no public transport was operational, leaving many commuters stranded. Streets wore a subdued look as residents stayed indoors amid the shutdown.
The bandh comes a day after the Office of the Chief Secretary issued an appeal on Tuesday urging cooperation in ensuring the smooth conduct of the Sangai Festival, scheduled from November 21 to 30.
Chief Secretary Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel described the festival as a “catalyst for peace and economic revival,” asserting that the event reflects a collective resolve to progress despite the state’s ongoing challenges.
The state government said the festival plays a critical role in tourism promotion, youth engagement, economic rejuvenation, community harmony, and providing market linkages for artisans, entrepreneurs, farmers and local producers.
However, public anger over the festival continues to grow. The shutdown came a day ahead of a mass sit-in protest called by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an influential civil organisation, scheduled for November 20 as part of a state-wide boycott of the festival.
COCOMI has also announced a “cease-work, stay-at-home” strike on November 21, the opening day of the festival, calling the celebration “insensitive and disconnected” from the ongoing humanitarian situation affecting thousands of displaced residents.
Even as disruptions intensified, the state government appealed to citizens to participate in the Sangai Festival with enthusiasm, arguing that the event is essential for restoring normalcy and accelerating Manipur’s socio-economic recovery.
Earlier, the Opposition Congress said it would stand by those affected by the ethnic conflict, particularly the internally displaced people (IDPs), who have opposed the festival from the outset.
“We are bound to support any decision collectively made by the IDPs,” party leaders said, signalling alignment with displaced communities’ concerns.