Socialist Revolutionary Party (SOREPA), Kangleipak chairman Toijam Ibochouba has called for greater unity among indigenous communities to confront what the party described as political, social and demographic challenges facing Manipur.
In a message issued ahead of SOREPA’s 25th Foundation Day on October 1, Ibochouba paid tribute to those who, according to the party, sacrificed for the revolutionary movement and extended greetings to activists, intellectuals, healthcare workers, journalists, youth and students.
SOREPA said the movement has gained strength through public support but acknowledged that differences and shortcomings continue to pose challenges. It maintained that the struggle for a just society must protect the identity and interests of the indigenous people of Kangleipak/Manipur.
The party opposed attempts to create divisions among indigenous communities and alleged that the Indian state and forces aligned with it were employing divisive tactics to weaken their collective strength. It urged all indigenous communities to understand the “Kanglei/Manipuri national question” collectively and examine the political and demographic changes affecting the region.
SOREPA also alleged that external migration and what it described as “settler colonialism” were contributing to the displacement and fragmentation of indigenous communities, particularly since the outbreak of violence in May 2023.
The party called for vigilance and greater unity among indigenous communities, arguing that their collective strength was essential for protecting their land, identity, culture and socio-economic system.