Tension rose again in Manipur on Saturday after clashes broke out at Yengangpokpi when a group of internally displaced persons (IDPs) tried to return to their homes in Gwaltabi. The situation turned chaotic as people who had been living in relief camps for months attempted to move back, hoping to restart their lives in the village they left behind during the violence.
According to local residents, the IDPs began gathering early in the morning and moved together towards Gwaltabi. They said they had waited long enough and wanted to return to their land, homes, and farm areas. However, as the group reached Yengangpokpi, tensions flared and clashes erupted, leading to fear and confusion in the area. Authorities rushed to the spot and tried to control the situation to prevent it from spreading further.
This incident took place at a time when several IDP groups across the state have been raising their voices against the government’s decision to go ahead with the Sangai Festival. The IDPs have repeatedly said that it is unfair to celebrate a major tourism event while thousands of people continue to live in temporary shelters with little certainty about their future. 
Many IDPs have questioned the state government’s priorities. They argued that if the state is peaceful enough to hold a festival on such a large scale, then the government should also be able to ensure their safe and permanent return to their homes. Protesters have been demanding that resettlement work must begin immediately and that the government should focus on restoring normal life for the displaced families.
