Bimol Akoijam, an alumnus of Poona University (Nowrosjee Wadia College), highlighted the significant involvement of diasporas from cities like Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore and from abroad in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, it stated.  

He expressed that Manipuris living outside Manipur came home just to vote in the Lok Sabha election, driven by a collective vision for change and a people-centric political leadership and movement, it stated.

He said that true people-centric political leadership must focus on the dignity and well-being of the people of the state, as well as on defending Manipur, rather than following the diktats of the bosses in Delhi. He further added that the political awakening among the diaspora reflects a movement to ensure elections are driven by public issues, free from the influence of money and muscle power, it stated.

He urged that the 2024 Lok Sabha election should not be merely a “flash in the pan.” He emphasised that the Manipuri diaspora’s engagement in the recent political process signifies a crucial and hopeful shift for Manipur’s future.

He credited the people for empowering him and reaffirmed that he is part of the people’s movement, stating that as an individual, he is nothing without their support, it mentioned.

He emphasised that the essence of the diaspora refers to the psychology of home—where we come from and return to. He emphasized that “no matter where we are, our love for Poknapham Ima—our motherland, Manipur—remains deeply rooted in our hearts. This enduring connection defines the essence of the diaspora. It is a sense of belonging that transcends borders, binding us through a shared identity that we carry with us wherever we go,” it stated.

The Association of Manipuri Diaspora (AMAND), Pune, founded on September 11, 2011, is a non-profit, non-governmental community organisation founded by like-minded people of Manipur residing in and around Pune, Maharashtra, it added.