The proscribed People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) observed its 49th foundation day on October 9, with the outfit claiming that programmes were held across its organisational establishments and calling for unity among the people of Kangleipak to confront what it described as India’s political and military domination.
In a press statement issued by Mangal Khuman, Publicity Officer of PREPAK’s Department of Publicity and Propaganda, the outfit said the foundation day was observed with the participation of various indigenous communities, including hill and valley populations.
The statement expressed appreciation to members of the press and electronic media for disseminating a message issued by the outfit’s Chairman of the Interim Council on the occasion. It said the message, described as a foundation-day address to the people, had been published by national and local newspapers and broadcast through electronic media.
According to the statement, programmes were organised at several locations, including the Central Headquarters (CHQ), General Headquarters (GHQ), 707 Mobile Battalion, four base areas, a Tactical Headquarters, a training centre and a transit camp.
At the Central Headquarters, the programme was presided over by PREPAK Chairman of the Interim Council, Aheiba Angom, with LeibaakNgaakpa Luwang, in charge of Publicity and Propaganda, serving as the chief guest, the statement said. The programme commenced with the hoisting of the outfit’s flag.
Addressing the gathering, Aheiba Angom alleged that the people of Kangleipak had endured prolonged hardship under what he characterised as India’s exploitative system of governance. He claimed that the prevailing political arrangements had left the people in a state of uncertainty and had contributed to sustained social and economic distress.
The PREPAK chairman also alleged that distrust among different communities had deepened, creating divisions that weakened collective efforts to address the region’s problems. He called for a concerted effort to overcome inter-community hostility and strengthen unity among indigenous groups.
The statement further alleged that India had used armed groups as proxy forces to pursue its political objectives in the region. It accused such groups of contributing to violence and insecurity among local communities, while asserting that the resulting conflict had intensified divisions within society.
Angom called for a united response to the challenges facing Kangleipak, urging different communities and indigenous groups to resist attempts to create further divisions. He maintained that collective strength and solidarity were necessary to confront the situation and safeguard the region’s future.
At the General Headquarters, the programme was attended by Red Army Chief of Army Staff Romi Meitei, along with Chamba, in charge of Medical and Family Welfare; Deputy Finance Secretary Rocky; and Organisation-1 and Organisation-2 representatives Shanti and Ngairamba, respectively, the statement said.
The programme began with the hoisting of the outfit’s flag by the Chief of Army Staff. The statement said tributes were paid to deceased members of the organisation through gun salutes.
In his address, Romi Meitei alleged that the Indian government was using Kuki armed groups as proxy forces to advance its agenda and accused them of engaging in violence against the people of Kangleipak. He claimed that such developments threatened the region’s political future and called for the strengthening of the outfit’s armed wing to counter what he described as India’s strategy.
At the programme held at the United Base Area, the statement said, Base Area Secretary Langamba hoisted the outfit’s flag, marking the principal ceremony there.
Addressing the gathering, Langamba reportedly said the use of proxy forces had aggravated divisions among communities and undermined the region’s social cohesion. He called on the people to draw inspiration from the struggles of earlier generations and work towards what the outfit described as a sovereign Kangleipak.
The statement concluded by expressing appreciation to the Western South East Asia (WESEA) region’s revolutionary organisations, indigenous groups and other supporters for extending greetings on PREPAK’s 49th foundation day. It also thanked the people of Kangleipak, including hill and valley communities, for their participation in the observance.
The claims and political allegations contained in the statement could not be independently verified.