Meeteis are as Indian as any other mainland citizen of the country
- 26th April 2025 :: World Meetei Council -

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To
Hon'ble Shri Narendra Modi
The Prime Minister of India
New Delhi, India

Subject: Meeteis are as Indian as any other mainland citizen of the country

Hon’ble Sir,

Greetings from the World Meetei Council.

At the outset, we express our deep sorrow and condolences for the tragic massacre in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families and the nation.

We write to you with great pain and a sense of urgency regarding the continued blockade against the Meetei community on the National Highways in Manipur, which connect our state to the rest of India. Despite your government’s direct rule, these lifelines remain inaccessible to the Meetei people.

Sir, there appears to be a misconception - possibly influenced by certain central security agencies - that the Meetei community questions its Indian identity or harbours separatist sentiments. We write to categorically deny such notions.

Historically, Manipur was a sovereign Southeast Asian kingdom until its occupation by the British in 1891. Since then, we have naturally and unwittingly embraced the Indian ethos with sincerity. Our cultural practices, from our holy attire- dhoti and kurta to religious customs- tilaka on the forehead, vegetarian rituals, reverence for Bollywood and Indian art forms, reflect an unwavering alignment with Indian traditions — regardless of faith, whether Hindu or Sanamahi, the indigenous Meetei religion.

Indeed, we may be separated by language, looks and traditions but not by spirit or loyalty. It is unfortunate that these barriers have fostered misunderstanding rather than unity.

Sir, the persistent blockade against the Meetei community on the National Highways has left the Meetei people feeling abandoned. Despite the Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah's assurance that these highways would be opened and secured, no visible progress has been made. This inaction continues to cause immense hardship and growing frustration among our people.

We humbly urge your esteemed office to intervene and take decisive action to open and secure the National Highways in Manipur. Such a step would not only alleviate the suffering of the Meetei people but also reaffirm their faith in the nation and its leadership.

With utmost respect and hope, Yours sincerely,

Heigrujam Nabashyam
Chairman
World Meetei Council