Koireng led UNLF claims ongoing Manipur crisis engineered to divide the state

The Central Committee of the Koireng-led United National Liberation Front (UNLF) has alleged that the ongoing conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities, which began on May 3, 2023, was orchestrated by India as part of a broader strategy to fragment and destabilize Manipur.
In a statement issued ahead of the 8th Athoubasinggi Ningsing Numit (Martyrs’ Memorial Day) to be observed on May 18, the outfit claimed that the crisis was designed to incite fratricidal violence among the indigenous communities in order to suppress the revolutionary movement in the region. The statement also drew attention to the sufferings of thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) living in relief camps, noting the mental toll and suicide cases among those who had lost all hope.
The group said that the annual observance of Athoubasinggi Ningsing Numit was a tribute to the martyred revolutionaries of the UNLF and its armed wing, the Manipur People’s Army (MPA), including its leaders and supporters. However, due to the prevailing crisis and related constraints, the memorial day would be observed at various party units including the Central Headquarters, District Committees, Branch Committees, External Affairs HQ, LAKSA (External Affairs), General Headquarters (GHQ), Battalions, Sub-units, and other designated locations.
The Koireng led UNLF alleged that India was deliberately exploiting internal divisions to dismantle the collective unity and national identity of the Manipuri people. It described the present turmoil as a continuation of a calculated plan to destroy the “national unity” (lingjel) that had been built over generations.
According to the group, India was positioning itself as a colonial power in Manipur, intending to make its people view each other as enemies, thus diverting attention from what the group perceives as the true adversary—India itself. The statement also criticised certain sections of the Meitei population for, allegedly, falling into India’s narrative trap by treating the Kuki issue and territorial integrity as unrelated matters.
The Koireng led UNLF warned that if the people failed to recognise this manipulation, Manipur would fall entirely under India’s control. It further claimed that the current crisis was part of India’s larger geopolitical strategy for the Western South East Asia (WESEA) region and was linked to broader global developments.
Reiterating that it had issued repeated warnings about such moves, the Koireng led UNLF said the ongoing situation should be seen as a critical moment in the revolutionary movement. It urged the people not to let this opportunity pass, but to deepen their political consciousness and rekindle the revolutionary spirit ignited by those who had sacrificed their lives for the cause.
Citing the MPA’s directive of “Resistance to Exist,” the statement called on the people of Manipur to continue their struggle with renewed resolve. The group maintained that this year’s observance of Athoubasinggi Ningsing Numit was of special significance, given the ongoing crisis.