NEWSMAKER | Meet Leishemba Sanajaoba, Rajya Sabha MP and Manipur’s titular king, with links to Arambai Tenggol

Among those in attendance at the controversial meeting of state legislators called by radical Meitei group Arambai Tenggol on Wednesday was Leishemba Sanajaoba, Manipur’s lone Rajya Sabha MP and the state’s titular Meitei king.

Arambai Tenggol, whose name is a reference to ancient Meitei warriors, has shot into prominence since the conflict in Manipur began in May last year, and is alleged to be among those at the forefront of violence against the Kuki-Zomi community. The recent show of strength with Wednesday’s meeting showcases the ostensible public support that the organisation currently has among Meities.

Sanajaoba has been previously too linked to Arambai Tenggol. In a photo uploaded on his social media accounts in September last year, he could be seen with members of the group wearing their trademark black T-shirt with a picture of Meitei cavalry at the back, at his residence. He described the meeting as an “oath taking ceremony”.

Arambai Tenggol has been named in numerous FIRs filed by members of the Kuki-Zomi community. Sanajaoba has also been mentioned in at least one FIR. The complaint, by a Kuki-Zomi resident, pertains to looting in a village in the Kangpokpi district.

The accused in the FIR are named as “unknown miscreants belonging to the Meitei Youth Organisation suspected to be members of Arambai Tenggol who are loyal to MP Shri Leishemba Sanajaoba”.

Because of these links, the Kuki-Zomi groups have also been demanding that their role in the ongoing conflict be scrutinised.

Emotive, symbolic value of Meitei rulers

Sanajaoba, who uses the prefix ‘Maharaja’ before his name, is the grandson of Maharaja Bodhchandra, Manipur’s last ruler. Bodhchandra had signed an agreement with the Indian Union in 1949 to merge the