India, Dec. 30 -- Former rebel leader R.K. Meghen on Monday said the over two-year-long crisis in Manipur was not the result of an armed Kuki aggression but part of a larger design by "powerful forces" to disintegrate the state.

Addressing a gathering at Berimura in Tripura during the unveiling of a statue of freedom fighter Bir Tikendrajit, Meghen said Manipur was facing an organised attempt to weaken and destroy it, with the Meitei community being deliberately targeted. The event marked the 169th birth anniversary of Bir Tikendrajit and commemorated Chahi Taret Khuntakpa.

Calling for unity, Meghen said the Meitei community must stand together and draw strength from the courage of their forefathers to confront what he described as a fo...