Guwahati: Former rebel leader R.K. Meghen on Monday said the over two-year-long crisis in Manipur was not the result of an armed Kuki aggression but part of a larger design by “powerful forces” to disintegrate the state.

Addressing a gathering at Berimura in Tripura during the unveiling of a statue of freedom fighter Bir Tikendrajit, Meghen said Manipur was facing an organised attempt to weaken and destroy it, with the Meitei community being deliberately targeted. The event marked the 169th birth anniversary of Bir Tikendrajit and commemorated Chahi Taret Khuntakpa.

Calling for unity, Meghen said the Meitei community must stand together and draw strength from the courage of their forefathers to confront what he described as a formidable threat. He alleged that democratic values were steadily eroding and that the prevailing system was intentionally undermining the culture, traditions and collective strength of the Meiteis.

Meghen further claimed that electoral politics had become another instrument to divide people along party lines and affiliations. He said protecting Manipur and safeguarding the community’s future would require unity among Meiteis living both within the state and outside.

The programme was jointly organised by the United Peoples’ Front, Manipur, and the Tripura Manipuri Student-Youth Coordination Committee. Participants paid floral tributes to the statue of Bir Tikendrajit, followed by a public convention at Panichai Mandap in Guchamura.

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