The 15th death anniversary of noted Manipuri singer Nongmaithem Pahari was observed at Lamyanba Shanglen, Konung Mamang in a function organised by Nongmaithem Pahari Memorial Trust on Monday. Floral tributes were paid to the late singer Nongmaithem Pahari by prominent singers, artistes, civil groups and leaders during the observation.
Nongmaithem Chittaranjan Singh, popularly known as Nongmaithem Pahari was born on August 28, 1934 and passed away on October 18, 2006. He was one of the founding members of the proscribed United National Liberation Front (UNLF).
Speaking on the sidelines of the occasion, former UNLF chairman RK Meghen who took part in the observation said that he does not support his daughter-in-law’s decision to contest the upcoming state assembly election.
“I do not support Brinda’s decision to enter politics. It is her own choice,” said Meghen to the media. “I had never been a part of Indian politics and will never be. I believe that their politics is a failed system in a democratic country,” he expressed.
He said, “There is a difference between their politics and ours. The contradictory system of politics and multi-party democracy have led to conflicts between communities. In a constitutional structure of democracy, there are various compartments that divide communities.” Such compartmentalisation causes the communities to struggle for getting reservations and benefits, he added.
The unity and the sense of togetherness among communities which used to exist from ancestral times are falling apart, he said. “In these prevailing conditions, I fear for the future generations that the communities may cease to exist anymore if it gets too late.”
