Chairman of the Interim Council of the proscribed People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), Aheiba Angom, has extended greetings to the people of Manipur on the occasion of the 46th Red Army Uprising Day, which will be observed on March 26, 2026.
In a detailed statement issued ahead of the observance, the PREPAK chairman conveyed what he described as “revolutionary greetings” to the people, while also extending similar messages to other like-minded organisations operating in Kangleipak and across the wider Western South East Asia (WESEA) region. The day, he noted, marks a significant milestone for the armed wing of the outfit, known as the Red Army.
The statement largely reflects the ideological position of the organisation, presenting its interpretation of Manipur’s historical and political developments. Aheiba Angom described two key phases in the region’s past as “profound tragedies,” referring first to the period of engagement with the British Indian Empire and later to the merger of Manipur with the Indian Union in 1949. According to the statement, these developments resulted in the loss of sovereignty and political autonomy of the erstwhile kingdom.
Reiterating the outfit’s longstanding stance, the PREPAK chairman questioned the circumstances surrounding the signing of the Merger Agreement of 1949, alleging that it was carried out without the consent of the elected representatives of the people. The statement further claimed that the agreement was not endorsed by the Manipur Assembly and cited various legal and constitutional frameworks to argue that the process lacked legitimacy.
The message also presented a narrative of pre-merger Manipur as a self-sufficient and harmonious society, where hill and valley communities coexisted peacefully. It alleged that post-merger administrative and political policies led to demographic changes, economic dependency, and divisions among communities. The chairman claimed that such developments contributed to tensions affecting the territorial and social fabric of the state.
Touching upon the economic situation, the statement criticised what it termed a “dependent economic structure,” alleging that policies over the decades have restricted local production and fostered reliance on external support systems. It further argued that the absence of robust industrial and economic infrastructure has affected the long-term development of the region.
The PREPAK chairman also commented on the political environment, alleging that electoral processes in the state do not address what the organisation describes as the “core political question.” The statement claimed that elections conducted under the Indian constitutional framework cannot determine issues related to sovereignty and self-determination, reflecting the outfit’s continued opposition to mainstream political processes.
A significant portion of the message focused on the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur. The chairman cited figures relating to displacement, casualties, destruction of property, and disruption to education, highlighting the humanitarian impact of the violence. The statement alleged that the conflict has deepened mistrust between communities and created long-term social challenges that will require sustained efforts to resolve.
The message also included allegations regarding the role of various armed groups and security agencies, presenting the organisation’s perspective on the causes and continuation of the conflict. It suggested that external and internal factors have contributed to the escalation of violence, though such claims remain contested and have not been independently verified.
In addition to local issues, the statement touched upon broader regional developments, particularly in neighbouring Myanmar. It referred to the ongoing conflict involving the military junta and pro-democracy forces, as well as the involvement of various international actors. The PREPAK chairman alleged that geopolitical interests of major powers, including the United States, China and India, have influenced developments in the region.
The message also referred to strategic infrastructure projects and cross-border dynamics, suggesting that such factors have implications for security and political developments in Manipur and the surrounding areas. It further alleged that regional conflicts and alliances could have spillover effects on the state, contributing to instability.
Despite the strongly worded political assertions, the statement concluded with an appeal for unity among the people. Aheiba Angom called upon civil society organisations, religious leaders, youth groups, women’s organisations, and elders to play an active role in restoring peace and rebuilding trust among communities affected by the ongoing conflict.
He stressed the importance of collective efforts to end violence and address the humanitarian crisis, noting that restoring harmony would require patience and sustained engagement from all sections of society. The chairman also underscored the need for cooperation and mutual understanding among communities in order to overcome the present challenges.
The message concluded with a reiteration of PREPAK’s stated objectives and its commitment to its ideological position, while marking the observance of the 46th Red Army Uprising Day as a moment of reflection within the organisation.
The statement comes at a time when Manipur continues to grapple with ethnic tensions and complex security challenges, with multiple stakeholders calling for peace, dialogue, and long-term solutions to restore normalcy in the state.