On November 23, 2025, hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Manipur clashed with security forces while attempting to return to their native villages in Imphal East district. The displaced residents from Ekou, Dolaithabi, and Yengkhuman, severely affected by the 2023 ethnic violence, insisted on returning home as the ongoing Sangai Festival signaled a return to normalcy. Attempts to move towards their abandoned homes near Pukhao and Dolaithabi Dam were blocked by security personnel citing security concerns in these sensitive foothill border areas near Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi. The confrontation escalated with tear gas shelling by security forces to disperse the protesters after barricades were pushed through, leaving several IDPs and two police personnel injured. The protests underline the continued socio-political volatility and unresolved security challenges in Manipur amid ethnic fault lines and highlight the urgent need for durable rehabilitation and peace restoration measures by the government. Restrictions on IDP movements persist pending security assessments. The tensions have major implications for regional stability and India’s internal security management. This incident marked a significant flashpoint during the Sangai Festival period in late November 2025.