Meitei Community’s Anti-Indian Stance: Ban on Hindi Films, Boycott of National Holidays Reflects Ongoing Secessionist Agenda

The Meitei community has repeatedly taken an anti-Indian stance on various issues affecting the state, ranging from prohibition of Bollywood movies to boycotting holidays of national importance. The ban on Hindi movies, both in theatres and by cable TV operators, was imposed on 12th September 2000, following a diktat from the Revolutionary Peoples’ Front (RPF), the political wing of the Peoples’ Liberation Army (PLA), a Meitei militant group based in the Imphal Valley. Since the release of Shahrukh Khan’s ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ in 1998, Hindi movies have been excluded from public screening in the valley. Though English, Manipuri and Korean movies are screened in movie theatres in Imphal, the capital city, Hindi movies have been kept away ever since.

Every year, Meitei militant groups under a common banner boycott holidays of national importance, including Independence Day and Republic Day, as part of their secessionist agenda to detach from the Indian Union—an inherently anti-Indian stance. There is a clear distinction in the aspirations of Meiteis and Kukis; the latter seeks a political solution under the Indian Constitution, while the Meitei insurgent groups demand an independent Meitei Kingdom, expressing their desire to sever ties with the Indian government and alter India’s geographical boundaries.

Persisting in their secessionist endeavours, numerous Meitei influencers and social activists advocate for the hoisting of ‘Black Flags’ on the upcoming India’s Republic Day on January 26. Displaying black flags on holidays of national importance is considered an anti-Indian act, symbolizing dissent or opposition to the nation’s significance and unity. It contradicts the spirit of patriotism and solidarity, conveying a message of protest or disapproval towards the values and principles associated with these crucial occasions. Such action may be perceived as undermining the collective identity and shared heritage of the nation, going against the spirit of unity and celebration on these special days.

The Meiteis have consistently opposed anything associated with Indians, with various instances of violence against mainland Indians in the Imphal valley. Racial discrimination, Taxation, Ransom and Loot on mainland Indians in the Imphal valley has also been a longstanding issue.