Pradyot Manikya urges unity in Manipur, warns against political exploitation of conflict

Tipra Motha Party founder Pradyot Manikya Deb Barma has called upon the people of Manipur to unite against forces attempting to divide the state, warning that political interests are worsening the ongoing crisis.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the World Indigenous Day 2025 observance in Imphal, Deb Barma said, “Every community is suffering, yet those playing politics are sitting comfortably. Brothers and sisters from both warring communities should come together and solve the issue collectively.”

The programme, organised by the Indigenous People’s Forum, Manipur, under the aegis of the North East Indigenous People’s Forum (NEIPF), was held at the City Convention Centre under the theme “Indigenous People’s Right to Self-Determination: A Pathway to Food Security and Sovereignty.”

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Deb Barma, attending as chief guest, acknowledged the Government of India’s efforts to restore peace but urged stronger and more serious interventions. He appealed to both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition to work together on resolving the Manipur crisis, prioritising the state, the Northeast, and India over political agendas.

Criticising the lack of attention to the Northeast in national politics due to its limited parliamentary seats, he also raised concerns over illegal immigration from Bangladesh and Myanmar. “The Northeast has become a breeding ground for illegal migrants. If Donald Trump can send back Indians from the US, why can’t our leaders act on illegal immigration here?” he questioned.

NEIPF chairman Anup Chetia also addressed the gathering, stressing unity across the region to preserve indigenous identity, culture, and traditions. Delegates from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Tripura shared accounts of how illegal immigration is affecting their states’ socio-economic stability and called for a united effort to address the issue.