Unity key to stronger Manipur: YP president Phaomei
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 09 2025: Yelhoumee Phurup president Achung Phaomei on Saturday urged leaders to take into confidence different indigenous communities of Manipur to bring unity, cautioning that without which integrity and harmony could be in jeopardy.

Speaking at the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples hosted by Yelhoumee Phurup at Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Palace Gate, Phao-mei asserted that Manipur, despite being home to over 30 indigenous communities, is witnessing growing disconnect and disharmony among the people.

"This was the reason Yel-houmee Phurup began observing the day in 2024," he recounted, while stressing that unity and harmony among the indigenous peoples could help build a stronger Manipur.

Unity key to stronger Manipur: YP president Phaomei

This year's event was held with the international theme "Indigenous Peoples and Artificial Intelligence: Defending Rights, Shaping Future" and the local theme "Unity through Cultural Confluence & Shared Progress" .

In a press statement, Yelhoumee Phurup reiterated its belief in the democratisation of inter-ethnic relations and shared development and growth, guided by its motto "Unite, Preserve and Thrive" .

The organisation said that this vision aligns with Articles 2 and 3 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which guarantee equality, freedom from discrimination, and the right to self-determination.

The statement described the coming together of indigenous peoples as a "historical necessity" to address challenges such as lack of social trust, underdevelopment, and poor political culture.

It emphasised that the organisation is not interested in any form of power struggle but is committed to social concerns "from below the grassroots - the largest constituent of our hope, healing and peace-building" .

The organisation also urged indigenous peoples to wake up to the growing threat to biodiversity and the environment, noting that UNICEF has identified several indigenous cultures and languages as on the verge of extinction.

It said that this year's theme serves as a wake-up call to shed narrow political schemes and distrust and to confront new challenges such as artificial intelligence, warning that the digital divide is "too high" .

"Before it gets too late, the indigenous peoples must reckon with the new challenges," the statement said, adding that the hills and valleys have been interdependent and resilient in their shared journey.

"Unity of the Yelhoumees - the indigenous - is the key, hope and future".

Several guest speakers also shared their views at the event with Mutua Bahadur noting that much of the intangible heritage of Manipur's indigenous peoples is endangered and urged the government to provide necessary support.

Activist Binalakshmi Nepram stressed that "every indigenous person matters" and noted that 80 per cent of current wars are taking place in biodiversity hotspots inhabited by indigenous peoples, underscoring the need for vigilance and unity.

Musician Guru Rewben Mashangva observed that indigenous persons are simple-minded and sincere by nature, and that sincere focus on self-progress would naturally bring peace.

Ch Lamjachao, a Tarao elder, recalled that the indigenous people of Manipur originated from three siblings and, despite differences in religion and culture, remain one.

Dr Koningthung, a Moyon elder, called for balancing western education with indigenous knowledge, saying community values remain at the core of society.