IMPHAL: At a time when social harmony in Manipur continues to face deep strains, the United Peoples’ Front (UPF), a civil body, has launched an initiative it hopes will rekindle understanding and unity among the people.
The organisation on Tuesday formally began the observance of “National Reconciliation Month” in Imphal, a month-long campaign designed to promote peace, dialogue, and collective responsibility within and beyond the Meitei community.
Launching the observance, UPF president Nongthombam Rupachandra said the effort stemmed from a need to “reconnect hearts and rebuild trust” amid the lingering divisions that have gripped the state. “This is not just about speeches or events, it is about creating spaces where people can listen to each other again,” he said.
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Over the next several weeks, the UPF plans to hold community interactions, social service drives, and public discussions across districts. Volunteers will engage directly with residents, seeking to rebuild a sense of shared belonging through small acts of cooperation and dialogue.
The organisation has also announced plans to reach out to Meitei settlements across Assam, Tripura, and neighbouring regions beginning December 19. These visits, according to the UPF, aim to strengthen cultural and historical ties among Meiteis living outside Manipur while understanding their present challenges.
Rupachandra said the broader outreach would extend the message of reconciliation beyond the state’s borders. “Our people are scattered, but we share the same roots and aspirations. Reconnecting these bonds is vital for the larger idea of unity,” he remarked.
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The initiative will culminate on January 9 with a state-level event at the Maharaj Gambhir Singh Memorial Complex in Imphal, coinciding with the death anniversary of Maharaj Gambhir Singh, which is observed as a state holiday. The UPF said the date was chosen to honour the Ghambir’s role in shaping Manipur’s identity and to symbolically close the reconciliation campaign on a note of remembrance and unity.
For many in Manipur, the UPF’s initiative is being seen as a hopeful step toward restoring trust and rebuilding community relationships fractured by prolonged conflict and mistrust.