IT News
Imphal, Jan 20:
The People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), a proscribed organization, has called on the people of Manipur to refrain from participating in the Statehood Day celebrations scheduled for January 21, 2025. In a statement issued by LeibaakNgaakpa Luwang, Charge-De-Affairs of Publicity and Propaganda, the group expressed strong opposition to commemorating the day, citing historical, social, and political grievances.
The statement highlighted that Kangleipak, an erstwhile independent nation with over 2,000 years of history, was forcibly integrated as the 19th state of India on January 21, 1972. According to PREPAK, the designation of statehood has brought no meaningful progress or justice to the region. It argued that had India treated Kangleipak as a fully-fledged state, the ongoing crisis triggered by narco-terrorism on May 3, 2023, could have been addressed more effectively.
PREPAK claimed that Kangleipak’s inclusion in the Indian statehood framework has resulted in suffering, marginalization, and exploitation. The current unrest in the region, exacerbated by violence allegedly instigated by narco-terrorists, has left countless lives disrupted. The group accused the Indian government of failing to manage the crisis, citing the lack of effective border security measures, particularly along the India-Myanmar border in the Golden Triangle region, a hotspot for narcotics trade.
The statement further criticized the reliance on central security forces like the Assam Rifles for managing the state’s internal security. PREPAK questioned why Kangleipak’s borders remain poorly managed compared to India’s heavily fortified borders with Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh, suggesting neglect of the region’s security and developmental needs.
PREPAK also drew attention to broader issues within India’s governance and judiciary, stating that principles enshrined in the Constitution, such as equality, justice, and fraternity, remain unrealized. The group emphasized the judiciary’s inefficiencies, including prolonged case pendency and delayed justice, which have disproportionately affected vulnerable populations. The politicization of institutions meant to uphold democracy and justice was described as a threat to the Constitution’s spirit.
The group urged the people of Kangleipak to introspect on the region’s position within India’s democratic framework. It called for unity and collective resistance against policies that undermine the state’s autonomy. According to PREPAK, the ongoing marginalization of Kangleipak underscores the need to reject the celebration of Statehood Day, which it described as meaningless in the face of continued suffering and neglect.
The statement invoked the words of philosopher Ernest Renan, who said, “A nation is a daily plebiscite,” suggesting that Kangleipak’s identity and aspirations have been overshadowed by India’s administrative policies. PREPAK claimed that the region’s inclusion in the Indian Union has failed to fulfill promises of development and protection, leaving its people questioning their place in the nation.
PREPAK concluded by reiterating its appeal for the boycott of the Statehood Day celebrations, framing it as a step toward reclaiming the region’s dignity and addressing its long-standing grievances.