R K Meghan, the Former Chairman of United National Liberation Front (UNLF) who stepped out of his home 44 years ago to fight for the restoration of Manipur’s past independence was given a hero’s welcome in Imphal on Thursday.

Sanayaima, as Meghan is also known had left Manipur in 1975, and was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in September 2010. He was charged for waging war against the state, and sentenced for ten years by the designated court.

People across all walks of life, family members, and relatives greeted him with writings on the banner ~ Long Live Manipur. Megan happens to be the is the great grandson of prince of Manipur Bir Tikendrajit the hero of the 1891 Anglo Manipur War. He along with General Thangal other Manipuri heroes were hanged by the British.

Megan being in an emotional state of mind echoed his feelings to reporters at the Bir Tikendrajit International Airport and said “ I feel overwhelmed and so happy to see my beloved people. I have a strong feeling in my heart that people trust and love me and I will uphold it in future .”

Later he offering prayers at Kangla Fort and stated, “I think the issues gripping Manipur is a complex, but I have a strong conviction that as long as the people stand united, Manipur’s
territorial integrity and unity cannot be compromised by anyone.”

He was released from Guwahati Central Jail on 9th November where he was received by his son and lawyer but the three of them were reportedly taken to New Delhi. He touched his home soil on Thursday to a joyous reunion with his family n large number of well wishers and people at large.