Fri Nov 21 20:03:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

Manipur’s Sangai Festival Opens Amidst Protests, Ethnic Tensions

Imphal, Manipur – November 22, 2025 – The annual Sangai Festival in Manipur commenced on Friday, November 21st, amidst a backdrop of ongoing ethnic tensions and protests by internally displaced persons (IDPs) and members of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI). The protests, demanding rehabilitation and resettlement of IDPs, impacted attendance on the festival’s opening day.

The festival, making its return after a two-year hiatus, has faced opposition from groups who believe the state government should prioritize resolving the ethnic conflict between the tribal Kuki-Zo and non-tribal Meitei communities, which began on May 3, 2023, before organizing tourism events. The conflict has claimed over 260 lives and displaced approximately 62,000 people.

Demonstrators clashed with police near the festival venue in Imphal, resulting in the use of tear gas to disperse the crowds after protestors threw stones. COCOMI, a Meitei pressure group, has also called for a “cease work,” criticizing the state administration, operating under President’s Rule since February 13, for promoting what they deem an “anti-people” festival.

Adding to the unrest, Leishemba Sanajaoba, Manipur’s Rajya Sabha member and titular king, filed a complaint against a senior police officer, IGP Themthing Ngashangva, alleging that the officer stormed his residential compound on Thursday, November 20th, accusing the MP of sheltering IDPs. Police stated that the officer was responding to a march by COCOMI volunteers defying prohibitory orders and that a female protestor assaulted the IGP and used racial slurs. The situation escalated when protesters were allegedly allowed into the MP’s palace grounds, hindering police efforts. A criminal case has been registered regarding the alleged assault on the IGP.

Despite the protests, the Sangai Festival was inaugurated as planned, though with noticeably thinner crowds than in previous years. The state has been under President’s Rule since February after a failure to form a new government following the resignation of the Chief Minister.

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