Imphal: Tripura royal scion and Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Manikya Deb Barma called on the people of Manipur to take charge of resolving the state’s ongoing conflict, on World Indigenous Day 2025 observation at the City Convention Centre, here on Saturday.
Barma warned against letting national political parties manipulate local emotions.
“I think the Government of India has done a lot. They need to do more and seriously. They cannot just wait for things to change on their own. A healing touch is required,” Barma told reporters on the sidelines of the observation.
“Manipur people should not allow national parties to play politics with your emotions. If you want to solve the problem, brothers and sisters have to sit together and bring in a solution,” he said.
“Delhi’s political priorities are largely driven by states with more Lok Sabha seats. Nobody in Delhi cares too much about Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram, or Sikkim… they are more concerned about Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, or Gujarat.”
Central leaders may visit Imphal or Churachandpur to express sympathy. The problems have to be solved by the people, Barma said.
The event was organised by the North East Indigenous People’s Forum and Indigenous People’s Forum, Manipur under the theme “Indigenous People’s Right to Self-Determination: A Pathway for Food Security and Sovereignty.”
Delegates from all seven Northeastern states attended, with support from the United Nations.
Speakers at the event voiced serious concerns over illegal immigration into the Northeast, warning that it threatens indigenous identity and demographics. They urged urgent policy measures to safeguard land, culture, and rights.
The event concluded with a united call for indigenous communities to protect their heritage, identity, and future.
