Tipra Motha chief and Tripura royal scion Pradyot Manikya Deb Barma has urged the people of Manipur to take charge of resolving the state’s ongoing conflict, cautioning them against allowing national political parties to exploit local grievances.
Speaking in Imphal on Saturday during the World Indigenous Day 2025 celebrations, Barma acknowledged the Indian government’s efforts but stressed that more needs to be done.
“The Government of India has done a lot, but they need to do more, and they must be serious about it. A healing touch is needed,” he said.
Barma called for open dialogue among Manipur’s communities, warning against external political interference. “If you want to solve the problem, brothers and sisters must sit together. Don’t let national parties play politics with your emotions,” he added, pointing out that Delhi’s political focus is often dictated by states with more parliamentary seats, leaving the Northeast overlooked.
The event, themed “Indigenous People’s Right to Self-Determination: A Pathway for Food Security and Sovereignty”, was jointly organised by the North East Indigenous People’s Forum (NEIPF) and the Indigenous People’s Forum, Manipur (IPFM), with support from the United Nations. Delegates from all seven Northeastern states attended.
Key attendees included Manipur MLA Kh. Ibomcha, Tripura MLA Ranjit Debbarma, NEIPF Chairman Anup Chetia, IPFM Vice President Rohan Philem, former UNLF Chairman RK Meghen, and Amrik Singh Pahwa, Advisor to the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
Speakers raised serious concerns over illegal immigration, warning it threatens indigenous identity and demographics, and called for urgent policies to protect land, culture, and rights.
However, the United Naga Council (UNC) boycotted the programme, issuing a directive barring Naga participation. The UNC described the event as organised by an “unmandated organisation” and cautioned that those undermining the Naga political cause could face “befitting actions.”Tipra Motha chief and Tripura royal scion Pradyot Manikya Deb Barma has called on the people of Manipur to resolve the state’s ongoing conflict themselves, warning against allowing national political parties to exploit local grievances.
Speaking in Imphal during World Indigenous Day 2025 celebrations on Saturday, Barma acknowledged New Delhi’s efforts but stressed the need for stronger intervention.
“The Government of India has done a lot, but they need to do more, and they must be serious about it. A healing touch is needed,” he told reporters.
Barma urged Manipur’s communities to engage in dialogue. “If you want to solve the problem, brothers and sisters must sit together and find a solution. Don’t let national parties play politics with your emotions,” he said, adding that Delhi’s political priorities are shaped by states with more parliamentary seats, often sidelining the Northeast.
The event, jointly organised by the North East Indigenous People’s Forum (NEIPF) and the Indigenous People’s Forum, Manipur (IPFM), carried the theme “Indigenous People’s Right to Self-Determination: A Pathway for Food Security and Sovereignty.” It was attended by delegates from all seven Northeastern states with UN support.
Among those present were Manipur MLA Kh. Ibomcha, Tripura MLA Ranjit Debbarma, NEIPF Chairman Anup Chetia, IPFM Vice President Rohan Philem, former UNLF Chairman RK Meghen, and Amrik Singh Pahwa, Advisor to the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
Speakers voiced alarm over illegal immigration, warning it could erode indigenous identity and demographics, and called for urgent safeguards for land, culture, and rights.