Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Manipur Artists Use Art to Heal and Preserve Lamka
After violence began in Manipur in 2023, young people in Lamka started using art to help their community.
Some make clothes that show pride in their hometown.
Some paint walls and pictures about identity, loss and hope.
One artist makes fridge magnets so people living away can remember home.
A musician writes songs about young people and the problems they face.
These artists want others to see Lamka as more than a place mentioned in news about violence.
Their work remembers painful events but also celebrates local traditions and ordinary life.
They believe art can help people talk, heal and stay connected.
Together, they show that rebuilding can begin with small creative acts.
Youth in Lamka are using clothing, graffiti, painting, magnets and music to respond to the violence that began in Manipur on 3 May 2023.
H. Liansuanlal’s Jugali.clo clothing brand promotes Lamka’s culture while creating locally made fashion for the community.
Graffiti artist P. Chinkhanlian uses public art to explore identity, unity, political issues and the experiences of Zomi people.
David Guite’s paintings document displaced families, lost homes and everyday life, while Chingbiaklian’s fridge magnets preserve familiar symbols of Lamka.
Musician Seimuankhup uses hip-hop to address violence, addiction and youth struggles and to help people feel heard.
- Who
- Young creatives from Lamka, including H. Liansuanlal, P. Chinkhanlian, David Guite, Chingbiaklian and Seimuankhup.
- What
- They are using fashion, graffiti, painting, souvenirs and hip-hop music to preserve culture, express experiences and support healing.
- When
- Since violence erupted in Manipur on 3 May 2023; the article describes their ongoing work.
- Where
- Lamka, the district headquarters of Churachandpur, Manipur, with some work reaching audiences outside the state.
- Why
- To remember homes and losses, preserve traditions, represent Lamka beyond violence, encourage unity and help people feel seen and hopeful.
- Violence began
- 3 May 2023
- Location
- Lamka, district headquarters of Churachandpur, Manipur
- Jugali.clo best seller
- The Phalbi Collection winter wear, with hoodies priced at Rs 1,800
- Transport challenge
- Longer routes have made shipping and operations almost twice as expensive for Jugali.clo
- TopDog artwork
- Phaizang Kumpinu, or The Valley Queen, is inspired by the story of Thanghou and Liandou
- Lamka souvenirs
- Chingbiaklian’s magnets feature Nute Bazaar and the black-and-white auto known as Paupu
- Music
- Seimuankhup’s song Tuailai means youth and addresses young people’s struggles