Manipur needs leaders like Samarendra: RK Sanayaima
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 10 2025: The 25th martyrdom anniversary of Arambam Samarendra was observed on Tuesday, drawing calls for visionary leadership in the face of ongoing unrest and challeng es.

United National Liberation Front (UNLF) former chairman RK Sanayaima asserted that present-day Manipur, considering the unrest and challenges, needs visionary leaders like Arambam Samarendra.

The commemoration was jointly organised by Social Standard Club, Khurai Nandeibam Leikai, and Arambam Samarendra Trust, held at his memorial complex in Khurai Nandeibam Leikai, Imphal East.

Attendees observed two minutes' of silence in memory of Samarendra, followed by floral tributes to his photograph.

Manipur needs leaders like Samarendra: RK Sanayaima

Dignitaries present included RK Sanayaima, executive members of Social Standard Club, Pambei-led UNLF acting chairman M Nongyai, general secretary Ch Thanil, finance secretary I Tonsana, chief of army Kh Khomba, other party leaders, and representatives from various civil society organisations and Meira Paibi Lups.

Sanayaima recounted that Arambam Samarendra, the founding general secretary of UNLF, was killed at the very location of the observance on June 10, 2000.He described the anniversary as an opportunity for the society to learn more about him, highlighting Samarendra as a "true revolutionary" from his student days until his death.

Samarendra was also noted as a playwright and lyricist who advocated women empowerment, worked to develop the agriculture sector, and led the formation of various organisations.

He was against the dirty politics and upheld his revolutionary principle throughout his life, Sanayaima added.

Sanayaima drew parallels between Samarendra and Hijam Irabot, who led revolutionary movement against the colonial British Government and feudalism in Manipur.

He stated that Samarendra followed Irabot's path, reigniting a revolutionary movement rooted in the aspiration for self-determination and co-founding the UNLF with a group of Meetei and Kuki leaders on November 24, 1964.After turning underground in 1969 and returning to normal life in 1975, Samarendra continued his work on social issues, remaining a true revolutionary to the core.

Addressing the current volatile situation, Sanayaima contended that Manipur is now confronting numerous issues, unrest, chaos, and challenges amidst conspiracies to incite communal unrest among the blood brothers.

He argued that in such circumstances, the state urgently requires a leader of Samarendra's calibre.

Sanayaima further expressed scepticism that the current conflict in the state would be resolved soon.

He implicated external forces, stating that everybody knows who is supporting the Kukis.

He claimed that while Kukis are being made to cease hostilities, conspiracies are being hatched to create disunity among the Meetei and destroy the very Idea of Manipur, asserting that this whole plot is solely targeted at suppressing the freedom movement being spearheaded by revolutionary organisations.

He alleged that the present crisis stemmed from engineered enmity between Meetei and Kuki communities, followed by the Gwaltabi incident, which he claimed was orchestrated to divide Meetei and Naga communities.

Sanayaima contended these incidents are part of a larger policy, urging the public to recognise these facts and stand united, while warning that unless the indigenous people stand united, they will perish.