Artist gifts Meghen
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 18 2023:
Freelance artist Thoithoiba Mayanglambam of Kakching Khunou has gifted a portrait of former rebel leader RK Meghen drawn on Yangkok (a circular basket used for winnowing rice chaffs) to Meghen himself.
Amuchou Waikhom, president of Malem Khoirirol Apunba Lup, also gifted a similar portrait to RK Meghen.
The portraits were presented during a simple function held today at the residence of RK Meghen at Sagolband Khumbongmayum Ingudam Leirak.
Addressing the media, the former rebel leader said that the Meiteis should have the courage to take forward the movement to save Manipur at all odds, even if only by themselves.
Saying that indigenous groups however have to help one another as they have been co-existing since ancient times, RK Meghen exuded confidence that indigenous groups would never remain silent when Manipur is burning.
He further stated that Meiteis must play the central role and have a broader outlook to unite every indigenous group in safeguarding Manipur.
Continuing that there is no respite of Kuki militants attack on Meitei civilians till today and the situation in Manipur is war-like since May 3, RK Meghen claimed that the ultimate goal of the attack on Meiteis is to fulfil their aspiration of Chin-Kuki homeland or separate administration by disintegrating Manipur.
They (the Chin-Kukis) should know that their demand is unfeasible, he added.
Further claiming that Manipur violence is unlikely to end anytime soon, RK Meghen maintained that unity of every indigenous group is needed to protect Manipur at this difficult juncture.
The killing of a Naga woman Lucy Maring was unfortunate, he said and added that the total shutdown called against the killing in Naga areas was reasonable.
The former rebel leader appealed to one and all to not attack people blindly.
He also said that inability to properly utilize the National Highways in Manipur has compounded the woes of the people due to artificial hike in the price and unavailability of essentials.
There may be famine in Manipur and serious drawback on the State economy if the issue of transportation of goods including agricultural materials and the attack on farmers by armed Kuki militants are not resolved, RK Meghen added.