RK Sanayaima calls for people's democratic movement to eliminate dirty politics
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 22 2026: Former rebel leader RK Sanayaima alias Meghen has underscored the need to launch a people's democratic movement to eliminate dirty politics from the soil of Manipur.

He made the statement at the award distribution ceremony for Short Film Contest 2Q25 organised by the Democratic People's Front (DPF) .

The ceremony was held at Tanthapolis Cinema, Lamphelpat.

Under Category A of the Short Film Contest 2025, Rakesh Naorem's "Thounagi Nongju" bagged the Best Short Film Award; the Best Editor Award went to Mohendro Kams while the Best Director Award went to Rakesh Naorem.

Under Category B, "Eshagi Mamal" directed by H Roji bagged the top honours.

The winners received a cash award, shawl and citation.

Speaking on the occasion, social activist RK Meghen stressed on the role of art and culture in setting a revolutionary movement into motion.

When an oppressed society launches a revolution, writers, artists and the performing arts have always motivated the revolutionaries.

Manipur has survived on the Centre's endowments since 1949 till date.

During all this time, generations who have lived under subjugation found it difficult to have independent thoughts and ideas as the number of poor households kept rising and survival-trumped any vision for the future, said RK Meghen.

Referring to the Manipur conflict, RK Meghen highlighted the importance of learning the root of the crisis.

"It is imperative to build a democratic people's movement and uproot dirty politics from the State", he said.

Delivering the keynote address, DPF general secretary organisation Nongmaithem Kiran said that the regional political party was formed in 2025.As a result of the conflict, Meiteis are unable to embark on pilgrimages to the Koubru and Thangjing Hill Ranges.

On another note, he highlighted the disputes surrounding the sacred sites of Khurai Ahongpung and Mongba Hanba in the valley, terming them unfortunate.

Commenting on the "limited powers" of the newly installed State Government, he spoke about the Government's inability to distribute the portfolios or expand the Cabinet without first visiting New Delhi.

It is not likely that the public elected their representatives just to visit Delhi.

Only a regional party born from the soil of Manipur can save the State, added N Kiran.

The award presentation ceremony was attended by DPF president Dr Narengbam Rajiv Kumar: retired District and Session Judge Aribam Noutuneshwari; former Film Forum Manipur chairman Samjetsabam Mangoljao Singh and DPF vice president Puyam Ranjit as the presidium members.

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