Thu Nov 20 19:54:25 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article rewrite:

Summary:

Protests erupted in Imphal, Manipur, on November 20, 2025, a day before the scheduled start of the Sangai Festival. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) and members of non-profit organizations clashed with security forces while attempting to disrupt the festival. The protesters feel that holding an “extravagant” festival is insensitive considering the ongoing recovery from the ethnic violence that began in May 2023, which displaced over 62,000 people and resulted in over 260 deaths. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a Meitei organization, condemned the festival and the security forces’ response, alleging excessive force and arrests of civil society leaders. They demand the government prioritize resettlement of IDPs, restoration of peace, and respect for civil liberties before celebrating. COCOMI has called for a mass demonstration against the festival on Friday.

News Article:

Manipur: Protests Erupt Ahead of Sangai Festival, Sparking Renewed Tensions

Imphal, Manipur – November 21, 2025 – Clashes broke out in Manipur’s capital, Imphal, yesterday as protestors confronted security forces near the venue of the upcoming Sangai Festival. The unrest occurred a day before the scheduled opening of the annual tourism event, highlighting ongoing tensions and divisions within the state following the devastating ethnic violence of 2023.

The protestors, consisting largely of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and members of local non-profit organizations, attempted to storm the festival grounds, arguing that the state has not adequately recovered from the inter-communal strife between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities. The conflict, which began in May 2023, resulted in the deaths of over 260 individuals and the displacement of more than 62,000.

Security forces responded with tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a prominent Meitei organization, strongly condemned the government’s decision to proceed with the Sangai Festival, branding it “insensitive” and “anti-people” in light of the ongoing suffering and displacement.

“At a time when thousands of our own people remain displaced…the State’s insistence on an extravagant festival is insensitive,” COCOMI said in a statement. The organization also criticized the security forces’ actions, alleging the “brutal and unprovoked” use of force against peaceful protesters, including the arrest of one of its leaders.

COCOMI is demanding the government prioritize the safe return of IDPs to their homes, the restoration of peace and normalcy throughout the state, and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms before resuming celebrations. They have called for a mass demonstration against the Sangai Festival today, November 21st, 2025.

The situation in Manipur remains volatile, and the protests raise concerns about the government’s approach to reconciliation and the potential for further unrest. The Sangai Festival, intended to promote tourism and showcase Manipur’s cultural heritage, is now overshadowed by the ongoing challenges of healing and rebuilding.

Read More