UNLF observes 60th foundation day solemnly Leadership vacuum felt : Nongyai

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 24: There is disarray in the Manipur society today due to lack of leadership who would unite and guide the people as one, said Pambei-led UNLF's Acting Chairman, Moirangthem Nongyai as the group celebrated its 60th anniversary today.
The Pambei-led UNLF celebrated its 60th anniversary at the Kakching Khunou GHQs of the 2nd Brigade.
Retired MU Professor Naorem Joykumar, Pambei-led UNLF Acting Chairman Moirangthem Nongyai, former Chairperson of Manipur Human Rights Commission Advocate Khaidem Mani, retired Professor Ch Priyoranjan, retired Professor W Nabakumar, retired IAS officer RK Nimai, MPCM president Haji Arafat and social activist Jakir Singamayum attended the anniversary celebration.
The group's Acting Chairman, Moirangthem Nongyai hoisted the party flag and led a 2-minute silence observance to show respect to slain members of the group.
Speaking on the occasion, Moirangthem Nongyai said there is a leadership vacuum at present in the State.
He said the State desperately needs a leader who would unite and guide the people as one.
Manipur has a long history that dates back to more than 2000 years and its rich culture is known to the world. The modern polo game originated here as Sagol Kangjei. Despite all these, the State is in a deep turmoil due to lack of leadership, Nongyai said.
The Acting Chairman said there is vacuum in every sphere.
"The war that has been waged against us by the Kukis has crossed one and a half years, but we are unable to unite even today. Even the CSOs aren't united and we are unable to carry the people with us," he said.
He further asserted that "we lack leadership and planning in everything."
"Until Kukis begin shooting at us, we (Meiteis) are at leisure. When they aren't shooting they are planning and we aren't. This is due to lack of leadership, and in turn this causes unrest and insecurity among the people" Nongyai said.
On the group's talks with the Government, he said, surrendering and peace talks are two different things and they shouldn't be treated the same. The NSCN has been in peace talks with the Government. Being in talks is not the same as surrendering, he added.
The Pambei-led UNLF's leader further exhorted that every effort must be put in to preserve the idea of Manipur.
The group was founded based on the idea of Manipur. Its founding members include members of the Kabui and Kuki community, he said.
"When facing Chin-Kuki aggression, we must never take every Kuki as our enemy. We must identify who our enemies are and execute works based on the idea of Manipur," Nongyai said.
He called on all to unite under the banner to save Manipur.
"Organisations may have different ideologies. But, our shared desire to save Manipur must unite us," he said.
The Acting Chairman greeted the members of the group and the people on the organisation's 60th anniversary.
Speaking on the occasion, retired Professor Naorem Joykumar asserted that the historical identity of Manipur diminished after the State merged with the Union of India in 1949, and the Pambei-led UNLF has been facing challenges to save this identity.
The identity of Manipur was not created in a day. To face the challenges today, the present generation must trace the past and study the history, he said.
The Manipuri society today seems to be disintegrating. While all must look and identify the reasons for this disintegration, it is the duty of the organisations like the UNLF to do the same and address the problems, he said.
To address the problems in society today and challenges before the people, there must be proper intellectual platforms. "It is not the time for people to follow their individual interests and will. The time now calls for people to follow a singular voice, otherwise we would succumb as victims of India's geopolitical games," he said.
Six innocent women and small children have been killed in Jiribam, yet India's top leaders have not expressed a word of condemnation and condolence, he added.
He further expressed that the Pambei-led UNLF must play a bigger role to protect and preserve Manipur's integrity.