Imphal: The Ethno Heritage Council (HERICOUN) officially withdrew from the 2026 Sangai Festival. They stand with the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) in a statewide boycott. The organization demands the government scrap the event entirely. Manipur has remained in turmoil since the conflict erupted on May 3, 2023.
HERICOUN Secretary General Aheibam Anand stated the decision followed a review of the state's suffering. The group argued that hosting a tourism festival is tone-deaf while internally displaced persons remain stuck in camps. "HERICOUN questioned the appropriateness of organising a tourism festival while many displaced people remain unable to return home, families continue to face hardship and several unresolved issues arising from the conflict remain unaddressed."
The council wants state funds redirected toward victims. They believe cash spent on festivities should support rehabilitation, compensation for families, and stronger security infrastructure. HERICOUN also demanded immediate action against the influx of illegal immigrants and the persistent violence plaguing the region. They challenged the government to prove peace is restored while residents still live in constant fear.
Government officials have yet to cancel the festival. If the state ignores these demands, HERICOUN warned they would launch democratic protests. They plan to organize these demonstrations alongside COCOMI, local IDPs, and various community groups to force a policy shift toward normalcy.
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