Overview
- Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurated the 10-day event at Hapta Kangjeibung, calling it a driver of economic revival and social healing.
- COCOMI-led demonstrations and IDP marches toward venues in Imphal East and Bishnupur triggered police lathi charge and tear gas, with injuries reported on both sides.
- Hindustan Times reported injuries to SP Shivanand Surve and an IRB personnel, and said a police officer was briefly detained before being released.
- Manipur Police registered a criminal case and said they are trying to identify a woman who allegedly assaulted IGP Themthing Ngashangva, while disputing MP Leishemba Sanajaoba’s claim that the IGP entered his compound.
- A COCOMI ‘cease work’ shut markets, halted public transport and suspended classes across the Imphal Valley, and opening-day attendance at festival sites was notably low.