The United National Liberation Front (UNLF), led by Khundongbam Pambei, commemorated its 61st anniversary at the 2nd Brigade headquarters in Hongbibain, Kakching Khunou, with a formal ceremony attended by prominent guests and party leaders.
Pradeep Phanjoubam, Editor of Imphal Review of Arts and Politics, attended the function as chief guest. Thokchom Khambaton, Acting Chairman of the party, presided over the ceremony as functional president. Special guests included FOCS Acting President BM Yaima Shah; Charairongba Thokchom, Secretary of Publicity and Education; Advisory Committee member I. Tonsana; General Secretary Salam Nongdol; Organisation Secretary Khuraijam Ibudhou; Chief of Army Staff Khuraijam Khoimu; and Yazing Yicizy Shimray, Convenor of the Core Committee of Relief and Rehabilitation, Manipur. All dignitaries occupied seats on the dais.
As part of the observance, Acting Chairman Thokchom Khambaton hoisted the party flag and delivered the keynote address. He paid tribute to those who had lost their lives “for the cause of the land,” stating that memories of fallen cadres and civilians would continue to be honoured as the organisation pursues its objectives with unity and resolve.
Khambaton recalled the ceasefire agreement signed on November 29, 2023, between a faction of the UNLF and the Government of India. He claimed that the terms of the agreement were structured to expand the influence of Indian security forces over the group and divert political dialogue away from what he described as the core issue — the long-standing conflict between Manipur and India.
Reiterating that the party “does not believe in violence or bloodshed,” he asserted that the root cause of Manipur’s conflict lies in what he termed India’s forcible occupation. He stressed that acknowledging the truth without acting on it would not lead to meaningful change, adding that the party remained committed to addressing the fundamental issue rather than its consequences.
Khambaton said that developments in the state over the past two years had demonstrated the necessity of articulating truth and confronting political realities. Manipur’s political identity, he said, could not be substituted with any alternative narrative. Only by adhering to truth, he added, could an enduring solution be achieved.
Referring to the events following the violent clashes of May 3, 2023, he said the party intensified its activities to support the people during a critical period. He maintained that the organisation’s actions, whether publicly recognised or not, were aimed at protecting the population and safeguarding the land as part of its long-standing principles.
He also highlighted Manipur’s long history and the sacrifices made by forefathers in defending the land. While stating that present generations may not fully comprehend the extent of past struggles, he noted that a new sense of unity among indigenous communities had emerged in recent times, which had not existed earlier due to divisions and mistrust.
The Acting Chairman called for sincere efforts to strengthen unity and maintain harmony among all indigenous groups. He asserted that without collective strength, the people would not be able to secure their rightful place in their own land. He concluded by reaffirming the organisation’s belief that with collective consciousness and unity, the party would continue to move forward with renewed commitment.