IT News
Imphal, Nov 9:
In commemoration of Athouba Singgi Ningsing Numit (Martyrs’ Day), the proscribed group, the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), has called upon the people of the region to refrain from entertainment programs on November 12. The group also urged citizens to light candles in the evening as a mark of respect for the martyrs.
LeibaakNgaakpa Luwang, the Charge – De – Affair’s for Publicity and Propaganda of PREPAK, issued a statement recounting key historical events that led to the observance of Martyrs’ Day. Luwang reminded the public that on November 12, 1978, a joint operation by the CRPF and Kangleipak Police launched a brutal assault on a PREPAK transit camp in Leimarok, Kameng, where three comrades—Dhiren, Kabikanta, and Gambhir of the PLA—were martyred. The group highlighted this loss as a symbol of the unwavering commitment of PREPAK to Kangleipak’s sovereignty. The statement also referenced another tragic loss on November 12, 1985, with the martyrdom of the revered PREPAK leader Ningthemcha Tulachandra, also known as Loyataba, further reinforcing the group’s struggle for independence.
Since November 12, 1979, PREPAK, along with its Red Army (RA), has annually observed this day in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause. In 2024, the party again emphasized the importance of remembering these sacrifices. The statement encouraged the people of Kangleipak to observe the day with reverence, organizing memorial events and lighting candles as a tribute to the martyrs.
The statement went on to reflect on the historical context of Kangleipak’s struggle for sovereignty. It reiterated that the annexation of Kangleipak by India in 1949 was unjustified, with no legitimate basis for the takeover. The group argued that this annexation had led to the destruction of local governance structures and imposed unfair territorial and developmental restrictions, which continue to be contested by India.
A call for an impartial Arbitration Commission was made, urging the resolution of territorial disputes to clarify Kangleipak’s true historical boundaries.
PREPAK referenced Article 3 of Kangleipak’s 1947 Constitution, asserting that all lands over which the King had authority belonged solely to the Kingdom. Therefore, any foreign power, including India, attempting to claim Kangleipak’s territory was deemed unlawful. The establishment of an Arbitration Commission was deemed essential for verifying such claims and protecting the region’s territorial integrity.
The statement also reminded that historical records from the 19th century confirm Kangleipak’s territorial legitimacy, even amidst disputes with neighboring states like Burma. In light of ongoing border conflicts involving Indian states, the statement emphasized the need for transparency in border issues, suggesting that a White Paper be issued to clarify Kangleipak’s boundaries.
In acknowledging recent remarks by Mizoram’s Chief Minister Lalduhoma, who had called for a unified homeland for the Chin-Kuki-Zo communities, the statement noted the deep kinship shared among these communities. However, PREPAK expressed caution regarding the implications of such statements on India’s territorial policies, particularly in relation to Kangleipak. It was suggested that such calls for unity needed to be carefully considered to avoid further destabilizing the region.
The statement reaffirmed PREPAK’s commitment to the sovereignty and independence of Kangleipak, stressing that the blood of the martyrs continues to inspire the ongoing struggle. It reiterated that their sacrifices are a lasting reminder of the people’s determination to resist foreign occupation, with the struggle for liberation continuing until Kangleipak is free.
