India must protect Manipur's integrity: Meghen
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 13 2026: Manipur must not lose territory in India's National interest, and it should be the duty of the Government of India to protect the State's territorial integrity, said former UNLF Chairman RK Meghen today.

He said this on the 57th Patriots' Day, observed at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound, Imphal in the presence of former Rajya Sabha Member Leishemba Sanajaoba.

The former MP, RK Meghen and the gathering paid floral tributes and remembered Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General and other heroes of the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 .

Singers affiliated to AMMIK performed patriotic songs.

The gathering observed a 2-minute silence in honour of the heroes of the Anglo-Manipur War 1891 .

India must protect Manipur's integrity: Meghen

Speaking on the occasion, RK Meghen said Manipur must not lose territory in India's National interest.

Manipur was an independent State before merger with India.

It should be the duty of the Government of India to protect Manipur's territorial integrity, he said.

After the merger with the Union of India, Manipur has faced multiple issues, he added.

"Our forefathers fought against the mighty and powerful British in 1891.To protect the motherland, our forefathers fought against the enemy with courage and bravery.

Our youths must have the same courage and bravery to face the present challenges and protect Manipur's integrity," Meghen said.

He called on the people, especially youths to trace the footsteps of "our forefathers" and instill in their hearts and minds a sense of patriotism.

Former Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba underscored the importance of tracing the history and honouring the sacrifices made by "our forefathers" and their legacy.

On the Manipur conflict which erupted on May 3, 2023, Sanajaoba urged the police to not treat village volunteers as criminals.

He said the youths were forced to pick up weapons to defend their own people and land when security forces failed to prevent attacks on villages and innocent civilians.

While the Chief Minister's recent appeal to lay down weapons is welcome, the initiative and the security measures related to it should be implemented equally in the valley and the hills.

Weapons should be recovered both from the hills and the valley, he added.

A similar event under the banner "Homage to Patriots of Anglo-Manipur War 1891" was also observed at Yaiskul Athletic Club ground.

UCY president CH Surajit, retired IAS officer RK Nimai, YAC president Sorokhaibam Saratchandra and RK Meghen attended the observance.