Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 25:
Regarding UNLF's stand to protect common interest of all ethnic communities of Manipur and the region it expressed readiness to work together with the NSCN (IM) provided the latter abandon the path of compromise with India and return to the fold of fighting against Indian occupation.
However, we would urge upon the leaders of the NSCN (IM) that our freedom and independence can be achieved only through a united struggle against India, never by isolated �peace talks� with the adversary, observed the outfit while highlighting futility of �Naga-Meetei' fraternity until agenda to wreck the age-old relationship is abandoned.
Observing that genuine unity of the region can only be built up through a common effort for national liberation, the UNLF prevailed upon the NSCN (IM) leadership that respective aspirations of all ethnic peoples in the Region is something to be discussed and resolved among the parties concerned, and not to be negotiated with a third party like India.
The essential principle inherent in this issue is coexistence and co development among all the ethnic peoples respecting one another�s distinctive identities, it said.
Inspite of the prevailing complex and delicate internal situations, the UNLF has been successfully confronting Indian forces, unprecedented in scale and dimension in the history of our liberation struggle.
The offensive of adversary force since October last year to capture base areas marks the start challenging the UNLF struggle, particularly of the MPA, iterated the statement.
Contending that MPA had been successfully challenging might of Indian security forces, UNLF said defeat of the numerically bigger Indian force in many engagements like in Chan-del, Churachandpur, Tamenglong and Ukhrul districts has created an unprecedented revolutionary situation generating psychological superiority of MPA over mercenary elements.
Attributing the success to sympathy and support of the people, particularly in hill areas, UNLF described the revolutionary movement as having entered a qualitatively higher stage with profound historical significance.
The UNLF would like to congratulate and salute the local people who have made direct contributions, the fraternal patriotic forces and fighters of the MPA for their great achievements, it said while cautioning that there is still no room for complacency as national liberation struggle means a long journey full of ups and downs.
Conveying of preparedness to face unpredictable consequences, the statement emphasised on remaining alert to carry the struggle through its logical end.
The annual statement issued to mark the 41st anniversary of the UG group also focused on new political step to be adopted to deter designs of the Indian govt as well as express sentiment of the people.
Elucidating on the issue, the UNLF said unprecedented democratic struggle the people and emergence of the armed struggle had created a new revolutionary situation in Manipur, prompting UNLF resort to a new political offensive against India by announcing on January 31, 2005 the 4-point proposal for holding a Plebiscite in order to resolve the Manipur-India Political Conflict once and for all.