Imphal, Nov 18 (NationPress) The government of Manipur has, on Tuesday, made a heartfelt appeal to all its citizens, especially the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) impacted by ethnic unrest, along with various stakeholders, to provide their unwavering support and cooperation to ensure the 10-day 'Sangai Tourism Festival' achieves grand success.

Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel stated in his appeal that the Sangai Festival, which is set to take place from November 21 to November 30, represents more than just a celebration; it signifies “our collective resolve to progress together, and your full participation will undoubtedly aid in steering the state forward.”

This appeal from the Chief Secretary follows a declaration from several organizations, including the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), which is the leading civic body representing the majority Meitei community and IDPs, indicating a statewide boycott of the Sangai Festival-2025 “in light of escalating public discontent and a worsening humanitarian crisis in Manipur.”

IDPs across multiple districts in the Imphal valley have planned protests at their relief camps on Thursday (November 20) objecting to the festival that is to commence on November 21.

Rajendra Singh, the vice-chairman of the Committee for the Protection of Meitei People, emphasized that the state government should prioritize the resettlement of displaced individuals before proceeding with the festival. He noted that this will mark the first annual Sangai Tourism Festival in two years.

He further stated that it would be preferable to organize the festival only after the resettlement of IDPs and the restoration of free movement along key highways.

Chief Secretary Goel reiterated that economic revival, tourism promotion, youth empowerment, and community harmony are essential cornerstones for reinstating Manipur on a sustainable growth trajectory. He mentioned that the Sangai Festival aims to encapsulate these objectives, serving as a catalyst for renewed hope, opportunities, economic development, and unity.

The state government fully acknowledges the significant challenges and suffering experienced by its citizens, particularly the IDPs.

Goel asserted that addressing the humanitarian crisis is the government's top priority, and substantial, actionable measures have been implemented for relief and long-term rehabilitation.

Currently, the state allocates Rs 18 crore monthly for monetary assistance to IDPs and for managing relief camps throughout the state.

The Chief Secretary detailed that Rs 523 crore has been allocated under the Special Relief Package by the Government of India, of which Rs 180 crore is designated for housing restoration support for displaced families, and Rs 250 crore is set aside for public infrastructure such as health centers, community halls, water supplies, and schools at the locations where IDPs will be rehabilitated.

He mentioned that while the relief and rehabilitation of IDPs is a primary focus for the state government, hosting the Sangai Festival remains crucial for economic acceleration and fostering market connections for local artisans, entrepreneurs, craftsmen, and farmers, thereby boosting trade and investment. The government is concurrently advancing significant development projects to generate employment and improve living conditions.

In the meantime, the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS), in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, organized the “Sangai Run-2025” on Tuesday as a precursor to the upcoming Manipur Sangai Festival-2025.

The Commissioner for Home and Finance, N Ashok Kumar, inaugurated the event at the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal. Approximately 1,500 athletes participated in the run, which featured three categories: a 5 km fun run, a 10 km fitness run, and a 25 km open and veteran competition.

The event also showcased prominent athletes from Manipur, such as Padma Shri N. Kunjarani Devi (Weightlifting), Olympian L. Sarita (Boxing), Padma Shri Smt O. Bembem (Football), Olympian Ng. Sonia (Weightlifting), Dhyan Chand Awardee L. Anita Chanu (Weightlifting), and Arjuna Awardee Chinglensana Kangujam (Hockey Olympian).

Participants who completed the run were honored, with cash prizes and medals awarded to top finishers, and medals distributed to all participants.