RK Meghen sees bleak furture for younger generation
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 09 2022: Former rebel leader RK Meghen has stated that it has become doubtful whether the people of Manipur will be able to survive and sustain as a community in future.

RK Meghen made the statement while speaking to the media after paying floral tributes to statues of Maharaj Gambhir Singh, Nara Singh and Heerachandra at Gambhir Singh Samadhi Complex at Langthabal today on the 188th death anniversary of Maharaj Gambhir Singh.

Speaking to the media, RK Meghen said it might be possible for the current generation to preserve the values of 'our community but there is a fear that cultural assimilation with outside communities will lead to the erosion of our indigenous community' .

RK Meghen sees bleak furture for younger generation

He noted examples of non-locals working on Imphal-Jiribam highway mingling with local women by marriage.

Adding that more than 80 percent of the State population are below the poverty line with very limited sources of income, RK Meghen said it is sad to see people living in a false sense of freedom and within a blanket of fake development.

He further maintained that 'freedom' is not attained just by declaring independence, but is fully achieved when welfare of all the subjects of the State is achieved and when there is peace of mind amongst all.

'In our context, freedom means being able to protect the values of our community and getting the fair share of respect it deserves', RK Meghen added.

During the last 15-20 years, outsiders from Myanmar and from India have settled in the hills of Manipur, he added.

The number of non-locals in Manipur, which has just about 30 lakh total population, has reached as much as 8 lakh.

Despite Manipur being part of a 'free' country, the people and the State have not been able to breathe the air of freedom and there is always a sense of uncertainty looming in the air, RK Meghen said.

Regarding the 188th death anniversary of Maharaj Gambhir Singh, RK Meghen said the Seven Years Devastation was ended and Awas were driven back under the leadership of Maharaj Gambhir Singh, Nara Singh and Heerachandra but the King of Manipur was not consulted by the British while signing the Treaty of Yandaboo with the Awas.