The United Peoples’ Front (UPF) Manipur launched the observance of National Reconciliation Month in Imphal, marking the beginning of a month-long initiative aimed at promoting peace, unity and social harmony. The programme, which will continue through early January, seeks to strengthen community relations amid ongoing tensions affecting the Meitei community.
Speaking at the inaugural function, UPF president Nongthombam Rupachandra said the observance was conceptualised as a reconciliatory effort at a time when social cohesion in Manipur had been severely strained. The initiative, he said, intends to create an atmosphere where people can reconnect, rebuild trust and work together to reinforce inter-community bonds. Highlighting the current situation, he noted that the programme is also directed at addressing concerns within Meitei society and fostering unity during “a very testing time.”
As part of the observance, the UPF has planned a series of outreach and community-oriented activities across Manipur. Teams and volunteers will conduct social service drives, interact with local residents and hold public meetings at multiple locations. According to the organisation, these platforms will enable discussions on community relations, common responsibilities and the need for reconciliation across social and geographic divisions. The UPF stated that such engagements are meant to nurture cooperation and encourage grassroots participation in rebuilding unity.
Extending its efforts beyond Manipur, the UPF also announced a wider outreach programme to Meitei settlements across the Northeast. From December 19, UPF teams will visit Meitei-inhabited areas in Assam, Tripura and other neighbouring states to hold interactive sessions and public meetings. Rupachandra said these engagements are aimed at strengthening cultural and historical ties among Meiteis living within and outside Manipur. The organisation added that the visits would help understand the issues faced by Meitei communities in other states and explore possibilities for greater coordination and mutual support.
Rupachandra further noted that such interactions in neighbouring states would reinforce the broader message of reconciliation by extending the initiative beyond territorial boundaries. The UPF stated that the effort is envisioned to create a sense of collective belonging among scattered Meitei groups and reaffirm their shared identity amid prevailing uncertainties.
The observance of National Reconciliation Month will conclude on January 9 with a state-level function coinciding with the death anniversary of Maharaj Gambhir Singh, a state holiday in Manipur. The closing ceremony will be held at the Maharaj Gambhir Singh memorial site, a location symbolically linked to Manipur’s historical heritage. The UPF said ending the programme on this date is intended to honour the legacy of Maharaj Gambhir Singh and invoke his role in shaping Manipur’s collective identity.
