MPA raising day widely celebrated
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 10 2015:
The 28th raising day of the Manipur People's Army (MPA) was celebrated far and wide within Manipur and beyond yesterday.
The main function was held at the party Ghqs with the Chairman, Chief of Army Staff, Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, DCC members, GSOs, army officers and cadres in attendance.
The main features of the raising day celebration were saluting the MPA flag, singing of MPA anthem, observing two minutes' silence in honour of the martyred cadres and reading out the MAC's annual statement, conveyed a press release issued by the outfit's Director-in-charge M Sakhen.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman stated that the MPA was set up in recognition of the growing need to raise a military wing of the UNLF in order to restore the lost sovereignty of Manipur.
MPA is for the masses and they have been serving the Nation with a sense of supreme sacrifice.
In MPA's 28 years of war against adversary forces, more than 300 MPA cadres have laid down their lives while many others have been crippled for life, said the Chairman.
He also called upon all the rank and file of MPA to take pro-active roles in forming a regional united front of WESEA of all revolutionary groups fighting against the common enemy.
Manipuri Nation is formed by all communities living in her territory.
All MPA cadres should have faith in the collective strength of the masses, exhorted the Chairman.
Nongda Lairen Pakhangba Award and Herachandra Award were instituted on November 24 last day on the occasion of the golden jubilee of UNLF, The awards were conferred to three martyred leaders and 20 cadres of the party for the first time, the Chairman announced.
The raising day was also celebrated at MPA 293 battalion with General Secretary Ph Yaimachou, Department of Minority Affairs secretary Ch Thanil, MPA Vice Chief ,of Army Staff I Tonsana, other leaders and cadres.
At 241 battalion, the raising day was celebrated with Secretary of Organisation M Chaoba,' Joint Secretary Tamphajao and GSO H Tomnou.
The raising day celebration at 291 battalion was led by the battalion's Deputy CO.
The raising day was also celebrated at all districts, unit headquarters and other units.
Sak-hen said.