VALPOI
The Sattari Shigmo Committee has decided to impose a ban on the participation of the two Romtamel troupes responsible for creating the disturbance during the Valpoi Shigmo celebrations.
Three persons were injured following clashes between two Romtamel troupes during the Shigmo festival in Valpoi in the wee hours of Tuesday.
The dispute reportedly arose suddenly due to prior rivalry between the groups and escalated into a physical fight. Three persons were injured in the incident, one of whom is said to have sustained serious injuries.
The Sattari Shigmo Committee stated that the decision to ban the two Romtamel troupes was taken because the groups allegedly attempted to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the festival, bringing disrepute to the event. The committee clarified that the ban is a precautionary measure to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Following the incident, the police had advised that the Shigmo festival be temporarily stopped to control the situation. However, the organising committee strongly opposed this suggestion, clarifying that the dispute was strictly between two Romtamel troupes and had no connection with the organising committee.
The committee stated that halting the procession would dampen the enthusiasm of thousands of people present at the venue. The committee intervened and resumed the Romtamel competition. At the time the dispute occurred, eight troupes had already completed their performances, while three troupes were yet to perform.
Both troupes have filed complaints against each other at the Valpoi police station.
The committee also strongly objected to allegations being levelled against the organising body following the clash between the two troupes in Valpoi. It warned that those making baseless accusations without evidence could face legal action.
Hosting festival
independently
Committee Manager and Bhironda Panchayat Sarpanch Udaysing Rane said the incident has brought disrepute to Sattari taluka. He appealed to the government to take the committee’s demands seriously.
“If drunken misconduct is not prevented, the environment could become unsafe for women attending the festival. If the government fails to act, the people of Sattari are capable of organising the Shigmo festival independently without government funding,” said Rane.
The Shigmo committee said it was important to understand the real circumstances behind the clash at about 2.30 am on March 16.
One troupe had already completed their performance, while the other troupe was performing when a sudden dispute broke out between members of the two groups, leading to a physical altercation.
