“Voices from Lamka – Struggle, Survival, and the Future”
THERE lives in Lamka, Manipur, a 49-year-old energetic MBA graduate, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and politician—Mr. Chintwahlian Guite, popularly known as CT Lian Guite. He was elected as a Member of the District Council (MDC) from 16-New Lamka West (ADCC) constituency in 2015.
Sadly,
the Manipur Government has kept the elections for the Autonomous District
Councils in cold storage. During his MDC tenure (June 2015–October 2020), Mr.
Guite recalls that there was only one official meeting called by the council.
In this candid conversation with Zogam Today Joint Editor Bruce K Thangkhal, Mr CT Lian Guite shares his experiences, challenges, achievements, and vision for Lamka and the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar people.
ZT: What motivated you to enter
politics and serve as an MDC?
CT Lian: My experiences abroad shaped my passion to work for the people of Lamka. I wanted to make Lamka an economically sustainable district by creating enough jobs for every youth.
I entered politics to serve the community, bring positive change, and influence decision-making. My focus has been on policies for economic growth, sustainable development, job creation, and skill training.
ZT: How did your foreign MBA degree
help you as a leader?
CT Lian: I completed my Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2008 at the University of Wales, Newport, in South Wales, UK. That degree gave me global exposure, cultural intelligence, confidence, and the ability to think strategically. These became my foundation for leadership, which I later applied in Lamka.
ZT: What key lessons did you learn
as an MDC?
CT
Lian: Some important lessons are:
- Addressing the diverse needs of local communities.
- Building communication between the public and the
state.
- Leading development projects with transparency.
- The value of continuous learning, teamwork, and perseverance.
Above all, I realized that if we want real change, we must build a strong political movement. To bring effective reform, we should form a new party and win at least 13 out of 24 seats in the Churachandpur ADC.
ZT: What was your biggest challenge
during your term?
CT Lian: The biggest challenge was the lack of coordination between elected representatives and bureaucrats. Different goals, poor communication, and bureaucratic inertia led to weak governance and poor public service delivery.
ZT: When was LATSEA formed?
CT Lian: I founded the Lamka Traders and Self-Employed Association (LATSEA) in 2012 to protect and support local traders and entrepreneurs.
ZT: As a trade union leader and
social worker, how do you connect with ordinary people?
CT Lian: By being available, listening actively, and empathizing with their problems. Accessibility is the key to genuine leadership.
ZT: Can you recall your meeting with
former Lok Sabha Speaker P.A. Sangma in 2015?
CT Lian: I sought his help for flood victims in New Lamka West. He generously donated ₹10 lakhs. I remain deeply indebted to him, even though he is no longer with us.
ZT: What are some of your main works and achievements as an MDC?
CT Lian: Here are some key initiatives:
Infrastructure & Public Works
- Built footpaths from Lanva to Tuibuang (MNREGS scheme)
to ensure pedestrian safety.
- Constructed bridges like Yellow Bridge, Queen Bridge,
and others.
- Built the first world-class waiting shed at Red Cross
Road Junction.
- Constructed over 812 toilets, 27 houses for widows, culverts, tube wells, school extensions, and water-harvesting ponds.
Finance & Banking
- Pushed local banks to follow the Credit-Deposit Ratio
so locals could access more loans.
- Pressured banks and fuel companies to fulfill CSR commitments. SBI provided water filters and a waste truck, while HDFC sponsored education for underprivileged students.
Community Services
- Distributed 1,000 helmets, 600 dustbins, 100 spittoons,
200 solar lamps, and 36 torches.
- Conducted 72 awareness campaigns on FIR filing,
financial literacy, and bookkeeping.
- Promoted self-employment through fish farming, popcorn machines, iron fabrication, livestock distribution, and vegetable seeds.
Social Service
- Used my personal car as an ambulance, even for long
trips to Imphal.
- As LATSEA convener, protected locals by ensuring outside IPL permit holders could not dominate Lamka’s trade licenses.
ZT: What areas still need urgent attention from the ADC?
CT Lian: Education, trade licensing, and waste management. We must regulate licenses properly while encouraging locals to start businesses.
ZT: How important is the ADC for
tribal people in Manipur?
CT Lian: Very important—it is the first step of governance for tribal regions. But for it to succeed, it must be led by educated and skilled members.
ZT: Do you think the government deliberately delayed ADC elections?
CT Lian: Yes. The State has always dominated ADCs. They call it an “Autonomous” District Council, but in practice, it is not autonomous at all.
ZT: What message do you have for the State about the delay in ADC elections?
CT Lian: One word—Greed.
ZT: What is your view on the ongoing
Meitei–Kuki conflict?
CT
Lian: This conflict started because of
the State Government. They grabbed our ancestral land piece by piece, which led
to bloodshed. Now, they blame us.
The Kuki–Zomi–Hmar community needs a political solution to survive.
ZT: How has this conflict affected Lamka and its people?
CT
Lian: It has caused:
- Widespread displacement and loss of lives.
- Destruction of homes, churches, and businesses.
- Skyrocketing inflation and poor transport routes.
- Mental separation of the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar people from the Meiteis.
ZT: What do you think are the root
causes of this crisis?
CT Lian: The main trigger was the Meiteis’demand for Scheduled Tribe status, supported by the Manipur High Court’s order. For us tribals, it is a direct threat to our land and rights. The Meiteis had planned this for years. The May 3, 2023 protest by tribals was a response to protect our existence.
ZT: Could this crisis have been avoided?
CT Lian: Yes. If there had been better political leadership, impartial governance, and timely action, the violence would not have escalated. Why was the Chief Minister silent? Why was the Governor silent? Even the media was silent.
ZT: What urgent steps are needed to
restore peace?
CT Lian: Justice for the victims, disarmament of armed groups, restoration of law and order, and rebuilding trust through inclusive dialogue.
ZT: Did political leaders fail to
prevent the violence?
CT Lian: Yes. Both the State and the Centre failed. The BJP-led government in Manipur openly favoured the Meiteis, which deepened our community’s sense of persecution.
ZT: How can trust be rebuilt between
different communities?
CT Lian: Through a long-term process: dialogue, justice, impartial governance, rehabilitation, and inclusive peace-building.
ZT: How do you see President’s Rule in Manipur?
CT Lian: Positive—it is the first step toward restoring peace.
ZT: Do you think people feel safer under central
rule?
CT Lian: Yes.
ZT: Are you satisfied with the
central forces’ role?
CT Lian: Not really. They failed to stop the violence or disarm groups. Both sides have now formed their own village defense forces because people don’t trust the authorities.
ZT: Should Manipur return to elected
government soon?
CT Lian: Not yet. The State should remain under President’s Rule until security and political stability are ensured.
ZT: What kind of peace agreement
would benefit the hill people?
CT Lian: A Separate Administration—perhaps a Union Territory with its own legislature—so we can ensure safety, self-governance, and fair representation.
ZT: Many say outsiders dominate
trade in Lamka. Do you agree?
CT Lian: Yes. Non-Manipuri traders—Marwaris, Biharis, etc.—built strong trade networks. Locals became buyers and consumers, not owners.
ZT: Why did locals remain consumers
instead of becoming owners?
CT Lian: Because of lack of access to capital, poor infrastructure, weak business skills, and the dominance of outside traders.
ZT: Is the local economy still
controlled by outsiders?
CT Lian: Yes, outsiders still dominate the local economy.
ZT: What steps can make locals true
producers and business owners?
CT Lian:
- Improve access to loans and credit.
- Invest in infrastructure.
- Provide business training and skill development.
- Promote local products through ADC and government support.
ZT: With conflict affecting trade,
how do you see Lamka’s economy recovering?
CT Lian:
- Road repair projects funded by the Centre are helping.
- There’s growing focus on local entrepreneurship.
- Alternative trade routes are being explored, though still in early stages.
ZT: How can more jobs be created for
youth in Lamka?
CT
Lian: By focusing on:
- Skill development linked with market demand.
- Entrepreneurship support.
- Digital tools and connectivity.
- Access to collateral-free loans.
- Promoting manufacturing and small industries.
- Educating rural youth about new job sectors like telecom, tourism, healthcare, and IT.
ZT: Do you see opportunities in entrepreneurship here?
ZT: How can the government support
farmers and traders during crises?
CT Lian: By offering subsidies, low-interest loans, quality seeds, crop insurance, better irrigation, MSP pricing, storage facilities, tax relief, and smooth trade policies.
ZT: What is your vision for Lamka in
10 years?
CT Lian: If we change our mindset and believe in ourselves, Lamka can become self-sufficient and flourish as one of the most promising districts in Northeast India.
ZT: If given a chance again, what
changes would you bring as MDC?
CT Lian: I would improve public services—especially health, sanitation, economic development, roads, and schools.
ZT: How do you stay motivated during
difficult times?
CT Lian: By focusing only on what I can control, keeping a positive mindset, exercising, spending time with family, and avoiding unnecessary distractions from social media.
ZT: Who inspires you most in your
political journey?
CT Lian: Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He is a self-made leader who rose from humble beginnings through hard work and dedication. His journey inspires me deeply.
CT Lian: I was born in Tuithapi village in a middle-class family. My father was a health supervisor, and my mother a homemaker. I have two sisters and one younger brother. I am married to Ms. Hmangthamoi, and we have a daughter, Happy Himlalfel (Felfel). We now live in Zoar Veng, Lamka. Our family values are love, respect, honesty, and responsibility.
ZT: What are your hobbies outside politics?
CT Lian: Learning new things and charitable work.
ZT: Do you love football? Who is your favourite
player?
CT Lian: I don’t follow football much, but I admire Marcus Rashford for his charitable contributions.
ZT: Who is your favourite Bollywood actor and
actress?
CT Lian: Aamir Khan, especially in 3 Idiots, and Deepika Padukone for her confidence.
ZT: And your favourite Hollywood actor and
actress?
CT Lian: Arnold Schwarzenegger and Angelina Jolie.
ZT: What is your favourite Bible verse, and why?
CT Lian: Mark 12:31 – “Love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” It inspires me to serve others selflessly.
ZT: What message would you give to
the people of Lamka and Manipur?
CT Lian: “Crisis is a window of opportunity. We must use it to come out as victors, not victims.”
ZT: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited
Churachandpur on 13 Sept 2025 and announced development projects. What is your
view?
CT Lian: His visit showed that the Centre is serious about engaging with tribal communities. He wanted to see the ground reality. Yes, the wounds are deep, and his visit came late—but if he truly wants to solve the issues, he still can.
~ ZOGAM TODAY | 11 Oct 2025
