Manipuri Diaspora Meet in Tripura calls for unity amid changing geopolitical landscape

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Feb 10: The Manipuri National Diaspora Meet 2026 was held on Tuesday at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Youth Hostel, Agartala, Tripura, with a strong call for strengthening unity among Manipuris living across different regions of the country. The event, organised as part of the year-long silver jubilee celebration of the United Committee Manipur (UCM), marked 25 years of its establishment.
The meet was jointly hosted by the Manipur Council Tripura (MCT) and the Tripura Manipuri Student Youth Coordinating Committee (TMSYCC) and witnessed participation from Manipuris coming from various parts of the North-East.
Speaking as the functional president, UCM president YK Dhiren underscored the urgent need for Manipuris residing outside the State to remain connected and collectively confront emerging geopolitical challenges.
“In view of the changing geopolitical dynamics surrounding Manipur, it is crucial for Manipuris scattered across regions to unite and face the challenges together,” he said.
Dhiren emphasised that such gatherings are essential to understand the living conditions of Manipuris in other States, bridge communication gaps, and foster collective responsibility. Though Manipur is currently going through a critical phase, he reminded that the Manipuri people have never lived under dominion throughout history and continue to uphold dignity wherever they reside.
He further pointed out the need to improve differences in lifestyle experienced by Manipuris living in different regions but cautioned that such efforts should not adversely affect the political, economic, or social status of the States they inhabit.
“To address challenges faced by our people elsewhere and to help them live on par with other communities, collective support and cooperation are indispensable,” he said.
Expressing concern over the recent incident at Litan involving the Tangkhul and Kuki communities, he termed it “disheartening” at a time when Manipur is slowly returning to normalcy. He added that those attempting to engineer such conflicts might consider it a success, but frequent communal tensions are not signs of a developing society.
The meet also witnessed deliberations by diaspora members and resource persons on various significant issues, including the formation of a Manipuri Autonomous Council, launching of special schemes, declaring major Manipuri festivals as holidays outside the State, promoting the usage of the Manipuri script, and addressing diverse political and socio-economic concerns. Several resolutions were also adopted during the session.
The programme was moderated by Dr KN Chand, member of the Manipuri Language Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi.
The event concluded with a collective resolve to strengthen unity, preserve identity, and work toward the dignified progress of Manipuris across the country.