Political games will only worsen crisis: MP Sanajaoba
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 21 2025: Rajya Sabha MP Leishmba Sanajaoba has warned that playing political games amid the crisis will only worsen the situation, stating: "if a solution is not brought soon, a public movement more intense than the June 18 (2001) uprising could arise" .

Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the International Mother Language Day function, organised by the Research Forum Manipur (REFORM) and GP Women's College at the college on Friday, Sanajaobaemphasised the need for constructive action.

He stated that village volunteers are neither anti-national nor illegal individuals and urged the government to reintegrate those who have been arrested back into the mainstream.

He further warned that continued action against them could trigger widespread public unrest and potentially push the state back by three to four decades.

Expressing dissatisfaction over security forces targeting village volunteers, the MP cautioned that such crackdowns could trigger unprecedented public movement.

Earlier, addressing the event as the chief guest, Sanajaoba, who is also the titular king of Manipur, expressed concern Over the possible extinction of the Manipuri language if effective policies for its preservation are not implemented.

He reflected on the significance of International Mother Language Day, which commemorates the Bengali language movement in Bangladesh, and urged the people of Manipur to show a similar commitment toward their mother tongues.

Sanajaoba also emphasised the importance of promoting indigenous languages spoken by smaller communities in Manipur, rather than focusing solely on the Manipuri language (Meeteilon), while lamenting that Manipuri has yet to receive classical language status.

He informed that although a state-level committee had prepared documentation for submitting a recommendation to the Centre, political instability has delayed the process.

Recently, the chief secretary was apprised of the need to convene a meeting of the state-level committee to review and amend the documents if necessary before submission, he confided.

Sanajaoba also expressed hope that achieving classical language status would motivate the people to promote Manipuri, while also bringing additional benefits and funding for the language's preservation and promotion.

The event was also attended by Directorate of Language, Planning and Implementation director Laishram Radhakanta, GP Women's College principal Prof Longjam Rajen, and REFORM president Prof Chingakham Ibohal.

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