IT News
Imphal, Nov 25:
The Pambei-led United National Liberation Front (UNLF) celebrated its 60th anniversary yesterday at its 2nd Brigade General Headquarters in Kakching Khunou. The event, marked by reflections on Manipur’s current challenges, brought together prominent figures, including retired MU Professor Naorem Joykumar, former Manipur Human Rights Commission Chairperson Advocate Khaidem Mani, retired IAS officer RK Nimai, and social activist Jakir Singamayum.
UNLF’s Acting Chairman, Moirangthem Nongyai, led the ceremony by hoisting the organization’s flag and observing a two-minute silence to honor its slain members. Addressing the gathering, Nongyai highlighted the critical lack of leadership in the state, describing it as a major factor behind the ongoing turmoil. “Manipur desperately needs a leader who can unite and guide its people as one,” he said, emphasizing the state’s vulnerability due to the absence of cohesive leadership.
Nongyai reflected on Manipur’s rich cultural legacy, which spans over 2,000 years, and its global contributions, including the origins of modern polo. Despite this heritage, he lamented the state’s deepening crisis, exacerbated by over 18 months of conflict with the Kuki community. He criticized the lack of unity among civil society organizations and the unpreparedness within the Meitei community, contrasting it with the Kukis’ strategic approach.
On the topic of peace talks with the government, Nongyai asserted that dialogue should not be equated with surrender, citing the NSCN’s ongoing negotiations as an example. He called for clarity and determination in preserving the identity of Manipur, urging all communities to align under a shared vision. Nongyai reminded the gathering that the group’s founding members included individuals from various communities, such as the Kabui and Kuki, and stressed the importance of identifying enemies based on actions rather than ethnicity.
Retired Professor Naorem Joykumar spoke on the historical identity of Manipur, which he said has been diminished since the state’s merger with India in 1949. He urged the younger generation to study history and understand the roots of today’s challenges. Joykumar expressed concern over the disintegration of Manipuri society and called for the establishment of intellectual platforms to address these issues.
He also criticized the lack of national leadership’s response to recent violence in the state, such as the killing of six women and children in Jiribam. He called on the UNLF to play a greater role in preserving Manipur’s integrity and ensuring its survival.
As the Pambei-led UNLF marked its six-decade journey, the overarching message was one of urgency: unity and decisive leadership are essential to navigate Manipur through its current challenges and safeguard its historical and cultural legacy.
