Several civil society organisations, student bodies, media organisations and cultural groups across Manipur have expressed deep sorrow over the demise of veteran student leader, media personality and cultural activist Khangembam Kuleshwar, who passed away on Wednesday night following illness.
In separate condolence messages, organisations described Kuleshwar as one of the most influential public figures of Manipur whose lifelong contributions to student movements, media development, art, culture and social causes left a lasting impact on the state.
Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) stated that Kuleshwar was among the most respected leaders associated with the historic “Chaklam Khongchat” movement and played a major role in shaping the student movement in Manipur. During his youth, he actively participated in student politics and later served as president of All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) during 1977–78.
Born on March 1, 1958, at Singjamei Wangma Bheigyabati Leikai Kongba Road, Kuleshwar began his leadership journey as General Secretary of Ch. Iboyaima High School and later served as General Secretary of Manipur College. He subsequently pursued B.Sc studies at Gauhati University, where he continued to engage in social and student activities.
Organisations recalled that even after completing his student life, Kuleshwar remained closely associated with AMSU and continued guiding student movements in the state for more than four decades. AMSU stated that he consistently provided advice and support on important issues concerning Manipur and remained a source of inspiration for younger generations of student activists.
AMSU, in its condolence message issued by publicity and information secretary Serto Rengneier Kom, highlighted Kuleshwar’s role in preserving the history and identity of student movements in Manipur. The union noted that he played a key role in producing AMSU’s official song “Epam Khambi Meihouree” during the observance of Chakiam Khongchat Ningsing Numit commemorating the historic Chaklam Khongchat movement. He also served as chief editor of the commemorative souvenir volume released during AMSU’s golden jubilee celebration.
Apart from student activism, Kuleshwar made significant contributions in the fields of journalism, television and cinema in Manipur. He was closely associated with the establishment of ICTV, presently known as ISTV Network, one of the first full-fledged television channels in the state, and also served as its president. He later became president of the Manipur Electronic Media Journalists Union (MEMJU), where he contributed towards strengthening electronic media in Manipur.
Kuleshwar also remained deeply involved in Manipuri art and cultural movements. He served as life member and advisor of the All Manipur Matam Eshei Kanglup (AMMIK) and was chairman of Film Forum Manipur, where he worked extensively for the promotion and preservation of Manipuri cinema and indigenous cultural identity.
Students’ Union of Kangleipak (SUK) described him as a committed son of Manipur who dedicated his life to safeguarding the state’s cultural and national identity through social activism, media and cultural initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Khumujamba Meitei Leikai Pattadar (Landowner) Association, representing internally displaced Meitei families from Churachandpur, remembered Kuleshwar for standing with displaced persons affected by the violence that erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023. The association stated that at a time when thousands were forced to flee their homes and live in relief camps, Kuleshwar used his public platform and influence to raise awareness about the suffering, trauma and hardships faced by internally displaced families.
The association further stated that Kuleshwar’s humanitarian concern and public advocacy gave emotional strength and hope to many displaced persons who felt abandoned during the crisis.
Describing him as a visionary intellectual, a fearless public voice and a multi-faceted personality, the organisations stated that his demise marks an irreparable loss to Manipur. They also conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.