Meeteis embraced all communities, but never devoured: RK Nimai
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 03 2025: Retired IAS officer RK Nimai has stated that the Meetei community in the state has always embraced and protected other indigenous communities, never attempting to dominate or devour them.

If the Meeteis had been selfish and aggressive, there would have been no small or minor communities in the state, he remarked.

He made the statement during the 2nd May 3-5 Memorial Day observed by the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), Manipur, under the theme "Bridging Divides for the Shared Future", held at Yumnam Khunnou Community Hall on Saturday.

The observance was attended by representatives of various communities, civil society organisations (CSOs), Meira Paibi leaders, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) .

Meeteis embraced all communities, but never devoured: RK Nimai

FOCS acting president BM Yaima Shah, Kom Tribe Union (Valley) president Haopu Kom, DMU Department of Political Science associate professor Abdul Haqim, Women Empowerment Association Yumnam Khunnou Awang secretary Sorokhaibam Chandri, and Nishaband Yumnam Khunnou secretary Thangjam Bina served as presidium members.

RK Nimai stated that as long as the Meetei community remains strong, Manipur will stand firm.

If the community weakens, the state will suffer -as history has shown.

He said if Meeteis had been aggressive, small communities such as the Tarao, Chothe, Purum, and Kharam would no longer exist, and reiterated that Meeteis have always believed in unity in diversity.

While people are well aware of how the conflict began, RK Nimai observed that the issue has not been discussed from a political perspective.

He noted that the conflict did not erupt during BJP's first term but in its second term, hinting at possible dissatisfaction over the distribution of ministerial posts.

He suspected that the demand for separate administration emerged after Meeteis in Churachandpur and Kukis in the valley were displaced to areas dominated by their respective communities.

Early signs of the demand appeared in October 2021, with possible hidden arrangements before the 2022 polls, he added.

Regarding COCOMI's declaration of war, he clarified that it was against Kuki narco-terrorists, not the entire Kuki community.

While individuals from many communities are involved in the drug trade, he claimed that the Kuki community - especially illegal immigrants from Myanmar, such as ZRO and KNO leaders - has carried out terrorist acts against civilians.

To cover up their crimes, he said, a narrative has been created that the N Biren-led government is a "Meetei government".

RK Nimai lamented that the two-year conflict has resulted in around 250 deaths and displaced 62,000 people, with 33 still missing as penofficial records.

Though the Government of India facilitated talks between CSOs of both communities, he said Kuki CSOs have blocked road access and opposed peace efforts.

He criticised the central and state governments for not taking a firm stand, adding that President's Rule has failed to bring any change.

Observing that using the title "Meetei" instead of "Manipuri" to describe the state is not conducive to peace, he noted that Meeteis are an emotional and reactive community that lacks strategic foresight.

He stressed the need for integrated, long-term planning focused on preserving the state's territorial integrity, warning that no common agenda can be achieved otherwise.

He also remarked that Kukis' demand for a separate administration would vanish once normal movement along NH-2 is restored.

He described the current situation as a de-facto separation, which should be acknowledged but not taken seriously.

He urged the public to understand that it is a fundamental right to move freely across the country and called on the government to reopen the highways.

FOCS acting president BM Yaima stated that the organisation will take the wishes and demands of IDPs conveyed during Saturday's observance to the central government.' As part of the observance, floral tributes were offered to the portraits of those who lost their lives in the conflict.