IT News
Imphal, Feb 8:
The Manipur People’s Army (MPA), the armed wing of the Koireng-led United National Liberation Front (UNLF), is observing its 38th Raising Day on February 9, reaffirming its commitment to the ongoing struggle. In connection with the occasion the Koireng led UNLF Military Affairs Committee (MAC) greets the people and issued a statement reflecting on the sacrifices made and outlining the future course of action for the movement.
According to the statement, the Koireng led UNLF-MAC asserted that India’s colonial policies, particularly the alleged deployment of Kuki militant groups with Indian backing, had intensified the need for a stronger and more unified resistance. The organization claimed that this situation had only strengthened its resolve and further solidified its dedication to the cause.
The statement elaborated on the strategic and tactical measures being adopted in response to the current situation. The UNLF viewed Kuki militant groups as an extension of India’s state machinery, allegedly used to destabilize Manipur and weaken its sovereignty movement. The organization called for greater unity among resistance groups, local volunteers (Khungakpa), and patriotic civilians to effectively counter this strategy. In terms of tactical response, the UNLF-MAC suggested that countering Kuki armed groups should be led by village volunteers, while larger military engagements would be handled at a higher operational level by its forces. The organization reiterated that the Indian Occupation Forces (IOF) stationed in Manipur remained the primary adversary and that armed engagements against them would continue as part of the liberation movement.
The UNLF-MAC urged all revolutionary organizations and allied groups to intensify their efforts while emphasizing that the struggle for sovereignty required mass participation. The statement warned that failure to resist collectively could lead to greater oppression, making unity among different groups imperative. The organization also called for an ‘Ootup Laan’ (People’s War), emphasizing the need for widespread mobilization against external forces. It stated that the MPA would intensify operations targeting both the IOF and Kuki militant groups. The committee reportedly directed local volunteers to focus on countering Kuki militant activities in their respective areas, while strategic engagements would be led by MPA forces. The organization reaffirmed its stance that the IOF remained the main adversary. However, recognizing the logistical and strategic challenges posed by India’s counter-insurgency operations, the MPA would engage in calculated military actions rather than direct confrontations.
As part of the observance, the UNLF-MAC reportedly paid tribute to fallen fighters and expressed solidarity with the families of martyrs. The organization also acknowledged recent battlefield incidents, including an alleged drone attack by KNA-B forces, in which 200 bombs were reportedly dropped on a revolutionary camp, causing damage. The statement concluded by saluting all MPA fighters, both past and present, and reaffirming its commitment to the liberation of Manipur. The UNLF-MAC called for continued unity and resistance, urging all revolutionary and civilian groups to stand firm in the struggle.
