The Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) military wing, Miyamgi Fingang Lanmi (MFL), observed its 22nd Raising Day on August 13, with the main function held at its 131 Battalion. Similar observances were also organised at the Central Headquarters, General Headquarters, company units, mobile units and under district commanders in various valley areas, according to KCP Media Coordinator A. Luwangba Meetei.
At the main function, KCP/MFL Chief of the Army Staff H. Ibomcha, KCP General Secretary H. Poirei, Deputy Finance Secretary Th. Bobby and the MFL General Staff Officer-2 (G-2) paid floral tributes to the deceased cadres.
The programme began with the hoisting of the organisation’s flag by Athoiba Meethunglen, followed by a two-minute silence in honour of those who died in the movement. Comrade Capt. Chinglen Meetei subsequently delivered a message titled “Mayambu Taramna Okchabagi Warol.” A message from the MFL Military Affairs Committee was later read out by Comrade Capt. Y. Somorjit Meetei.
In his address, H. Ibomcha alleged that India has employed various measures to suppress Manipur’s struggle for self-determination, resulting in the loss of many lives. He said the rising number of youth deaths and declining birth rate should be viewed as indicators of the weakening of the community rather than isolated developments.
Referring to Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and the wider WESEA region, he called for greater coordination among revolutionary groups in the region to resist what he described as attempts to weaken indigenous societies.
Deputy Finance Secretary Th. Bobby said MFL cadres had continued to discharge their responsibilities despite difficult conditions and described those who sacrificed their lives in the movement as “heroes of the land”. He asserted that Manipur’s future rests with the people of Kangleipak and said the movement for self-determination would continue.
The MFL General Staff Officer-2 urged the present generation to examine mistakes and adverse circumstances inherited from the past and take corrective decisions to address challenges confronting the people. He called for collective deliberation and greater unity among the youth to secure a better future.
KCP General Secretary H. Poirei claimed that India was formed through the integration of 565 princely states and argued that the merger of the states without their consent raised questions about India’s claim to nationhood.
He further claimed that India was a relatively new political entity that emerged after the arrival of the British, while Manipur/Kangleipak had a history of more than 2,000 years dating back to before 33 AD. He asserted that Manipur/Kangleipak possessed the characteristics of a nation-state and should be allowed to develop accordingly.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Comrade Lieutenant Th. Aheiba.
Meanwhile, a separate observance was held at the Hirachandra Force Company (HFC), attended by Company Commander Capt. M. Punsiba, Second-in-Command Lieutenant T. Saiyon Meetei, Capt. Th. Kabolakpa and Lt. H. Thengra.
Capt. Th. Kabolakpa hoisted the organisation’s flag, while Capt. M. Punsiba hoisted the MFL flag. Participants observed a two-minute silence and paid tribute to the deceased cadres with a gun salute, followed by floral offerings at the martyrs’ memorial.
KCP issues correction to earlier Raising Day report
In a separate statement, the KCP acknowledged errors in its August 12 report on the 22nd Raising Day celebration and issued corrections to two references concerning the formation of the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and its Red Army.
The KCP clarified that the reference in Bullet Point 7 should read: “1977 gi October 9 da People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) lingkhatkhi.”
It also corrected Bullet Point 9 to read: “1977 gi October 9 da People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) safonglakpaga loinana masigi Lanmi Sanglup Red Army (RA) su numit asimaktada lingkhatkhi.”
The KCP apologised for the errors and said greater care would be taken to avoid such mistakes in future.