Former UNLF chief Ningthemcha Sanayaima, also known as RK Meghen, stated that what is unfolding today is not a war initiated by the Kuki community, but a desperate attempt to eradicate the Meitei people with the backing of a powerful force supporting Kuki militants. He said the crisis, which has continued for more than two and a half years without any solution, poses a direct challenge and threat to Manipur’s 2,000-year-old history.
Ningthemcha Sanayaima made the statement while addressing the 169th Birth Anniversary of Bir Tikendrajit, observed as part of the Reconciliation Month, organised by the United Peoples’ Front (UPF), Manipur, at Barimura in Bamutia, Tripura. On the occasion, a statue of Bir Tikendrajit was also unveiled at Barimura.
He said Meiteis living in different parts outside Manipur must remember their courage and responsibility to protect Manipur’s 2,000-year-old history. According to him, the ongoing conflict is aimed at distorting Manipur and erasing the Meitei identity.
The programme was jointly organised by the United Peoples’ Front, Manipur, and the Tripura Manipuri Student-Youth Coordination Committee. A public meeting was later held at Panichai Mandop in Guchamura, Tripura, where tributes were paid to the newly unveiled statue of Bir Tikendrajit.
Speaking further, Ningthemcha Sanayaima said the war being waged is not an ordinary conflict but one intended to destroy Manipur and eliminate the Meitei people. He remarked that democracy, as practised today, has failed to protect the dignity, culture, language, and collective identity of the Meitei community, and instead has been misused to weaken and fragment society.
He stated that Meiteis living outside Manipur, including those in Japan, Korea, the United States, and other parts of India, must unite and contribute collectively to safeguarding Manipur. He added that only through unity and shared responsibility can efforts to undermine Manipur be resisted.
Referring to Bir Tikendrajit, he said remembering the freedom fighter should not be a symbolic act alone, but a commitment to defend Manipur. He also spoke about Meitei Manipuris living in Tripura, saying that while they have built lives away from their ancestral land, they must continue to remember their roots and identity. He said collective living and unity among small indigenous communities is essential for survival, and that Meiteis must strengthen their resolve to live with dignity.
The programme was attended by Tripura Assembly MLA Yelam Birjit, UPF Manipur President N. Rupachandra, advisor Khomdram Ratan, W. Second, UCM President YK Dhiren, EECHAL President Tongbram Ibemcha, NIPCO President Oinam Premjit, and several other leaders and members of the public.