Manipur is home to a large number of student and civil society organisations, and lots of revolutionary armed groups too. Mainstream Media labeled them as Naga-based, Kuki-based, or Meitei-based groups or outfits. Before branding an institution or outfit, people—including the media—should comprehend and assess its nature.
Manipur has numerous associations, some rooted in the whole community, while others, like Naga and Kukis, are founded on their own interests and objectives. In the Meitei-dominated parts of Manipur, a lot of organisations put Manipur’s interests ahead of the Meitei’s. So-called Meitei insurgents are pursuing freedom in Manipur, aiming to secure it for all communities, regardless of identity.
Similarly, there are CSOs and student organisations that prioritize the greater interests of Manipur over the needs of the particular community, setting their goals and aspirations apart from Civil society and student bodies in Naga or Kuki. Terms like “Naga-based,” “Kuki-based,” and “Meitei-based” are often used on the mainland in place of Manipuri, making individuals feel alienated and communities more dispersed.
If the leaders belong to the Meitei community, then it is classified as a Meitei group. After all, they are Manipuri, regardless of the community they belong to. I could be wrong, but the Manipur people’s demand for their own nation might not go over well with the mainstream media. They love the nation. They don’t want to split up India. They were not happy when the Indian army was killed by revolutionary organisations. They may not have felt the same way after the Indian army massacred the Manipuri (revolutionary army).
Their journalism should not be compromised by their patriotism, though. They must maintain integrity. Meitei may hold leadership positions in a variety of groups in Manipur. However, they only do their duties in support of greater Manipur interests. Some communities may have political goals for their own communities, hence they may not join these organisations. Regardless of whether the other community is engaged in the movement or not, Meitei has never thus far sought exclusive Meitei’s interests.
Therefore, as their methods of operation serve the interests of Manipur more broadly, avoid referring to them as “Meitei organisations.” Thus, these are the organisations representing Manipur.
Manipur’s leaders, irrespective of their community affiliation, should be viewed rather than categorized based on their identification, as their ideas are relevant to all. Naga or Kuki organisations, rooted in political ideologies like Zalengam or Nagalim, focus on community interests, while several organisations led by Meitei focus on broader Manipur interests.
Most Mainland people often misunderstand the goals and objectives of Manipur-based organisations, incorrectly labelling them as Meitei-based CSOs or Meitei-based rebels. To better grasp their viewpoints as so-called valley base insurgents or Meitei CSOs—who never speak alone on behalf of the Meitei—find out about their successes and interests. Manipur’s interest is the main priority, and Meitei is either the organisation’s leader or in control of it.
Meitei may hold a leadership position or oversee the organisation. Those are the leaders of Manipur, though. It could come from any kind of group. Instead of judging someone on who they are, consider their views and areas of interest. That’s the problem that has been raised up until now, keeping us apart.
As Manipuris, it is our duty to advance Manipur’s interests, and the majority of Meitei people have played a significant role in uniting Manipur and promoting the common interests of the state.
Every community has an obligation to care for Manipur, and each individual community member is also responsible for Manipur. The idea that Meitei should look out for Meitei, Kuki for Kuki, and all Naga should work just for the good of Naga is false.
For instance, Civil society organisations headquartered in the plain areas have consistently opposed the government’s suppression of citizens and state atrocities, including AFSPA, ILP, corruption, sexual assault, and deforestation throughout its history irrespective of their identity. The so-called Meitei organisations in Manipur are opposing the cultivation of poppies, arguing that this action is not in their best interests but rather serves the interests of society as a whole. Since poppy growing has major negative effects on society and the forests, the Meitei society is not the only group that benefits from the protest.
Despite not living in the hills, people reject poppy planting to preserve their forest and the dwellings of tribes, which worries Manipur. The organisation represents Manipur as long as it serves its interests, There are, however, certain Meitei-based organisations that are exclusively focused on Meitei and exist for the benefit of the Meitei people.
Before the media begins to brand the organisation, It is essential to comprehend the nature of the organisation as well as the different goals and objectives of the organisation. Meitei’s unstoppable work for Manipur is a universal truth, contradicting the assumption that Nagas can only work for Nagas and Meitei can only work for Meitei. We really need to go together.
However, the political ambitions of Manipur may make some people reluctant to operate in a collective capacity for the state. since its interest outweighs Manipur’s by a wide margin. Certain groups prioritize a unified Manipur, while others focus on sectarian interests. Some individuals are using terms like “Valley base,” “Meitei base,” and “Meitei outfit” to advance their own agendas.
Naga claims Nagaland, while Kuki demands Kukiland. Meiteis never demand Meiteiland or exclusively pursues her interests. Manipur armed groups, driven by Manipur’s prolonged battle, are all-inclusive, not limiting their demands to Meitei. In contrast to other communities, the so-called Meitei CSOs and student organisations refer to themselves as “Manipur” rather than Meitei.
Outsiders should avoid manipulating information and giving the public the wrong impression. Narendra Modi, a Hindu prime minister, has been referred to by the media as the nation’s prime minister, despite being a Hindu. In place of “Manipur CM,” people would frequently say “Meitei CM” in reference to Manipur. Any community could produce a PM or CM.
The truth is that PM is not Hindu, and CM is not Meitei. That depends on the kind of representation and the organisation’s objectives. In the current conflictual situation, Other groups do not believe in the Meitei because of the way that the prominent individuals communalize the situation. It causes chaos in our multicultural society. It fosters hostility within the community.
The chief minister of Manipur is a post within the Indian state, under the Indian Constitution, and is a component of the Indian state.
Biren or Ibobi may be in control of the CM, but the CM is neither of them. Others come and go, but CM stays. Its aims and responsibilities are clearly outlined in the Constitution. False information spreads hatred, anger, and misinformation, targeting different groups and causing conflict.
Careful writing and speaking are crucial to prevent misinformation. Meitei, through its leadership of executive volunteers and her service to communities and the state of Manipur, has made significant contributions to numerous organisations. Any group or organisation might originate from any community; as long as their objectives coincide with and promote the interests of Manipur as a whole, then they are considered Manipur’s organisations.
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As long as their objectives are good for the state as a whole, these kinds of groups or organisations cannot be considered sectarian. Serving and defending our state is a duty for every Manipuri. It is influenced more by our ideas than by our identities. What matters is the idea of a unified Manipur.
(The views expressed in the article are those of the author and do not reflect in any way his affiliation to any organisation or institution)
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