The People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) will observe November 12 as “Athoubasinggi Ningsing Numit” (Martyrs’ Remembrance Day), paying tribute to its cadres and others who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for the sovereignty of Kangleipak.
In a press statement issued by LeibaakNgaakpa Luwang, Charge de Affairs, Publicity and Propaganda, PREPAK, the organisation appealed to the people to refrain from celebrations and festivities on the day and instead light lamps at their homes at dusk in memory of the departed martyrs.
The statement recalled that on November 12, 1978, a joint force of the CRPF and Manipur Police allegedly raided a PREPAK transit camp at Leimarok in Kameng, killing three cadres identified as Dhiren alias Angam and Kabikanta alias Leingam of PREPAK, and Gambhir of the PLA.
It also recalled the death of PREPAK leader RK Tulachandra alias Loyataba on November 12, 1985, while performing security duty inside the Sugar Factory complex at Kabowakching.
According to the statement, PREPAK has been observing November 12 as Martyrs’ Remembrance Day since 1979 to honour those who laid down their lives in the struggle.
The organisation reiterated its demand for the restoration of Kangleipak’s sovereignty, alleging that India’s policies and militarisation had resulted in widespread human rights violations, suppression of indigenous identity and erosion of the people’s political rights. It accused the Indian security forces of arbitrary arrests, custodial killings, torture, enforced disappearances and violations of women’s dignity.
The statement also expressed concern over growing divisions among the different communities of Manipur, particularly the Naga-Kuki and Kuki-Meitei conflicts. It alleged that such divisions were being exploited by vested interests to weaken the collective struggle and urged communities to reject hostility and fratricidal violence.
Emphasising the need for unity, PREPAK called upon the people, particularly the younger generation, students, intellectuals, farmers and working sections, to recognise their common interests and work collectively against oppression.
The organisation also cautioned against narrow ethnic nationalism and chauvinism, stating that the larger identity and collective interests of Kangleipak should take precedence over divisive communal considerations. It advocated a united political and social movement based on shared history, cultural values, mutual understanding and collective aspirations.
Quoting observations attributed to Prof. Naorem Sanajaoba, the statement stressed that the survival of a people depended on their determination to preserve their identity, history and collective strength.
The statement concluded by paying revolutionary homage to all those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle and called upon the people to observe November 12 in a solemn manner.
