The proscribed outfit claimed that intellectual bureaucrats are “obsessed with salary” and are “quiet quitting” their responsibilities, leading to a neglect of societal development. These officials, described as “Intellectual Elites,” were educated for wealth and power rather than to become “social intellectual”.
TFM Desk
In a strongly-worded statement issued on its founding anniversary, the proscribed armed group PREPAK (Progressive) has accused the Indian government of creating an “existential threat” for the Meitei community in Manipur and allowing the state to become a “land of invaders.”
The statement, released on the occasion of the group’s “49th Raising Day,” was signed by its Chairman, Longjam Paliba M. It contains a series of allegations against the Government of India, state bureaucrats, and local politicians, framing the ongoing conflict in Manipur as a battle for survival.
Allegations of State Failure and Societal Decay
The statement begins by paying tribute to those who have died “safeguarding our motherland in the prevailing conflict.” It then launches a broad critique of societal decay, which is marked by ethnic conflict, unemployment, and a widespread culture of apathy.
The group claimed that intellectual bureaucrats are “obsessed with salary” and are “quiet quitting” their responsibilities, leading to a neglect of societal development. It alleged that these officials, described as “Intellectual Elites,” were educated for wealth and power rather than to become “social intellectual elite.”
“Dharma” as a Call to Resistance
The statement delves into the concept of ‘Dharma,’ which it asserted is not merely religion but a “self righteousness to carry out the responsible duty in improving the society.” For the Meitei, the group claimed, this dharma now means “safeguarding against the deteriorating society and fighting those who are covertly and overtly invading to root out our nation. We must know who are the enemy and friend in accordance with the vision of our indispensable ‘Dharma’. Academician, doctors, farmers, workers, bureaucrats ought to serve their duty knowing the reality that we are living in a poor and externally overall dependent society. The social-class structure in India is determined by power-politics. Such system has been spreading to Manipur, which has created numerous power obsessed intellectuals who always want to stay on the top of social class pyramid”.
PREPAK (Pro) accused “power-obsessed intellectuals” and politicians of contributing to the crisis, citing historian Peter Turchin’s theory that “elite overproduction” leads to social degeneration. The proscribed group called for a “reasonable People’s Movement with public coordination” to address root causes.
Historical “Sovereignty” and Accusations of “Kakistocracy”
PREPAK (Pro) claimed that Manipur had historically been “independently self-governed” and is unlike India, which it labelled a “Land of invaders.” It alleged that this character is now being imposed on Manipur since its integration into India.
The statement accused Meitei politicians of blindly following the “pernicious commandments of Indian grubby leaders,” reducing their existence to a “living death under political nightmare.” It further alleged that “ecocide and ethnic-based terrorists are designated as protected community” and questioned the Government of India’s willingness to punish groups blockading vital highways.
Media Propaganda and a “Collective Dharma”
PREPAK (Pro) accused media outlets in mainland India of “endlessly spreading false narratives to tarnish the Meitei community.” It claimed this has led to a “smear media propaganda along with economic and cultural war” affecting the diaspora.
Labelling the state government as “Kakistocratic”—a term meaning government by the least qualified—the group alleged that incompetent and cowardly leaders are making it an “existential threat to stand against India.”
Concluding the statement, PREPAK (Pro) declared that at this “crucial stage,” both armed groups and common people must stand together to resist, as it has become their “collective dharma.”