Amid ongoing crisis IDPs reject Ningol Chakouba participation

Imphal: As calls from various civil society organizations and political parties urge participation in the upcoming Ningol Chakouba festival, the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Ikou village have voiced strong objections.

They have stated they will only consider attending the festival once they are permitted to return to their homes.
In a recent media interaction, Takhelambam Ibeaima, a displaced woman, expressed her dismay at the invitations extended by multiple groups and organizations, labeling them as “unfortunate.”

She emphasized that, given the current circumstances in Manipur, the displaced community is not in a celebratory mood. Instead, Ibeaima called for their safe return home, asserting that this would be the most meaningful gesture of love from the government for the upcoming festival.
The IDPs from Ikou village, located on the outskirts of Imphal East district, have been sheltering in a relief camp near Sajiwa Jail after armed Kuki militants destroyed their homes. Despite the turmoil, numerous civil society organizations and government officials have encouraged the displaced villagers to partake in the Ningol Chakouba celebrations, which traditionally involve family feasts and gift exchanges.
However, the women from Ikou village have strongly disagreed with these appeals, deeming them inappropriate under the present conditions.

In response, they organized a protest, reiterating their decision to abstain from the festivities.

They insist that the government’s focus should be on restoring peace and facilitating their return to their homes, viewing this as the true essence of celebrating Ningol Chakouba.