The Central Committee of the Koireng-led United National Liberation Front (UNLF) released its Annual Statement on Sunday as the organisation observed the 61st anniversary of its founding. The statement, issued by M. Shak-Hen, Secretary of Publicity, conveyed greetings to the people of Manipur and paid homage to the group’s founding leaders and members it described as martyrs. It also expressed solidarity with the thousands of internally displaced persons still living in relief camps following the 2023 ethnic violence, referring to them as “victims of Indian-sponsored Kuki aggression.”
In its message, the Koireng-led UNLF reaffirmed political positions it has repeatedly articulated over the years, asserting that what it terms Manipur’s “national liberation movement” rests on three major developments: unity among the people of Manipur, the weakening of India due to internal contradictions, and what it interprets as growing international distancing from India. According to the outfit, these developments together form the foundation on which the success of its political struggle depends.
On the question of unity, the organisation stressed that harmony among the communities of the hills and valley remains the most crucial element. It said that although centuries of coexistence have shaped the social fabric between the Meitei and tribal communities, political issues—especially those linked to the long-running Naga movement—continue to hinder complete social stability. The Koireng-led UNLF claimed that such issues require calm assessment and political understanding from all sections of society. It warned that disunity only strengthens external forces that aim to keep Manipur divided.
The outfit further claimed that internal contradictions within India have deepened in recent years. It alleged that regional imbalances, widening economic gaps, communal tensions and increasing centralisation have contributed to a climate of “structural uncertainty” across the country. According to the organisation, this trend has become more visible since 2014 and represents what it calls the early indicators of an “inevitable disintegration” of the Indian Union. It argued that such instability weakens India’s counter-insurgency framework and reduces its capacity to maintain political control in regions such as Manipur.
On India’s global positioning, the Koireng-led UNLF alleged that changes in international alliances and foreign policy shortcomings have created mistrust among former partners. Describing this as a form of “subtle isolation,” the organisation contended that such shifts will eventually open political space for movements advocating self-determination. It did not cite specific diplomatic events but maintained that international trends would favour what it terms Manipur’s “national cause.”
Addressing the situation in Manipur, the outfit accused the Government of India of adopting a “colonial strategy” involving demographic alteration. It alleged that unchecked illegal migration has disturbed the demographic balance of the state and placed its indigenous communities at risk.
According to the statement, the 2023 ethnic conflict was not spontaneous but a “planned and sponsored operation” aimed at damaging social ties between the hill and valley communities.
The Koireng-led UNLF claimed that “illegal immigrant Kuki armed groups” were used to destabilise the region and that the violence helped the Centre entrench deeper divisions, confining the Meitei population to the valley.
The organisation also accused central security forces of bias, stating that their role during the movement of displaced persons and in operations against armed groups reflected what it called “partisan involvement.” It argued that the prolonged displacement of thousands of families, despite heavy security deployment, represents “systemic collapse” rather than administrative hurdles.
A substantial portion of the statement addressed the youth, particularly those who had taken part in what the outfit described as “defensive actions” during the 2023–24 conflict. The Koireng-led UNLF urged them to rise above immediate anger and recognise what it termed a larger historical responsibility. It said that protecting Manipur’s territorial integrity and cultural identity is a “duty” that must be carried out by an aware and committed younger generation. The outfit encouraged youths to join its organisation, asserting that their courage and resilience, demonstrated during the recent conflict, must be channelled into a disciplined political movement.
The statement also referred to the role of propaganda and psychological warfare, alleging that various agencies were attempting to portray Manipuri society as fragmented and incapable of unity. The Koireng-led UNLF urged civil society bodies, student organisations and community leaders to remain vigilant and resist narratives designed to widen mistrust. It reiterated that the strength of Manipur lies in the collective resolve of its people rather than in external interventions.
Towards the end of its message, the organisation expressed gratitude to civil society groups and individuals who, according to it, continue to resist what it terms “external domination.” It extended greetings to its cadres, supporters and sympathisers, acknowledging the risks and hardships they face. The Koireng-led UNLF also paid tribute to its founding leaders and the generations of cadres who have participated in its armed movement.
The outfit called upon the people of Manipur to maintain unity, political awareness and resilience. It said that Manipur stands at a defining moment, one that requires clarity of purpose and collective responsibility. The Koireng-led UNLF added that the decisions taken by the people today would determine the future shape, stability and identity of Manipur.