Crisis due to absence of capable leader: RK Nimai
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 16 2025: Blaming the crisis in Manipur on the absence of a capable leader, retired IAS RK Nimai has stressed the need for a common intent for preserving the territorial integrity of the state.

Speaking as chief guest at the 23rd foundation day of Ethno Heritage Council (HERICOUN) at the JN Manipur Dance Academy on Friday, RK Nimai noted that if there had been a capable leader at the helm, the crisis would not have occurred.

"Law and order enforcement agencies became bystanders during the conflict, as the people turned against each other.

While the central government is partly at fault, the state government bears the majority of the responsibility for failing to control the situation in time," he observed.

Crisis due to absence of capable leader: RK Nimai

He continued that while the identity of a community is rooted in its heritage, people cannot prevent the changes that would come with the passage of time.

"But this does not mean we must demean other's culture and traditions.

Manipur is made of many communities with their own unique identities.

We need to avoid engaging in ethnocentric and religious politics as it would distort the social fabric of the state and lead to its demise, Nimai remarked.

"It is an unspoken rule since olden times not to force others to do what we do not want for ourselves.

Forcing someone to do something what someone else wants would invite rebellion," he cautioned, while stressing the urgent need for an understanding between the communities of the state.

Nimai continued that when Manipur joined India, the literacy rate was only six per cent.

Now, the literacy rate of the state is at 72 per cent, signifying how things have changed.

He, however, noted that land disputes continued to arise now and then, with some minor and others grave.

"When resolving such disputes, Manipur should be the primary and the community secondary.

Thus, there is a need to have an understanding of the same, apart from being aware of the Constitution and other available options," he said.

Reflecting on the history of Manipur, Nimai stated that it is a fact that as long as the Meetei stands strong, the state in in peace.

However, whenever the Meetei community weakens, chaos unfolds in the land.

He then said that the past must be understood to act in the future accordingly.

"For now, we need strategic planning to ensure protection of the state s territorial integrity, while also brainstorming how to solve this short-term conflict and come up with a long-term plan to prevent any future issues," he suggested.

Presided over by HEIR-COUN president Surjitkumar Khuman, the function was also attended by Editors' Guild Manipur (EGM) president Khogendra Khomdram and WASDEV president RK Tharaksana as guests of honour.

Meanwhile, the 12th State Level Khangminashi Eramdam Quiz Competition-2025 was also held as part of the celebration.

According to a press release issued by HERICOUN secretary general A Anand, Wayengbam Bishwanath Singh, Wayenbam Amarnath Singh and Rajkumar Mangalsana, students of BBR Unique School, Bishnupur bagged the first position, followed by Thoinaobi Elangbam, Elangbam Minakshi and Lourembam Radhakanta Meitei of BM School of Excellent Learning, Kakching second; Yaiphaba Moirangthem, Roshan Khundrakpam and Wilson Thokchom of KM Blooming Higher Secondary School, Thoubal third; Kirsten Hirom, Mahananda Nongthombam and Pomeash Huidrongbam of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Chingmeirong fourth; Surti Hidangmayum, Chitrabati Hidangmayum and Tiana Yendrembam of Pitambara English School students fifth; and Kindergarten Montessori School students Jamel Heisnam, Wahengbam Taibanganba Meetei and Lourembam Khedajit Mangang in the sixth position.