Imphal, February 24: Acknowledging that numerous lives have been lost and assets and properties destroyed in the war between the Government of India and the revolutionary outfits, Chairman of the proscribed RPF, Irengbam Chaoren today said that for the last 30 years, the RPF has been constrained to take up the armed struggle not because it wants violence but to restore the lost sovereignty of the land, to oppose the draconian rule, maintain National dignity of the people as well as to save the lives and properties of the people.

Saluting all the souls martyred in the struggle, Chaoren in an address to the people on the occasion of the 29th foundation day of the RPF said that the outfit places the value of human life at the highest pedestal.

'Not for a single moment do we, did we want or will we the loss of either human lives or properties,' said Chaoren and added that the aspiration of the RPF has always been to live in peace amongst the comity of free people.

�However the deceptive policies of the Government of India, wherein it says something else and does something else run counter to the aspirations of the outfit,� he explained.

Chaoren questioned whether a peace talk can be possible when the people of Manipur are being subjected to numerous arbitrary killings and made to kow-tow to the threats of the gun wielded by the security forces.

'Has the Government of India ever clearly expressed the idea of addressing the freedom of the people ? What is the meaning of peace they are espousing' he countered.

The call for peace is nothing but to hoodwink the international community, asserted Chaoren and questioned whether India can resolve the issue with Manipur under 'the Constitution of India', when India cannot do so with its own internal issues.

�Till date we have not intruded into anybody's land and on the other hand outsiders have been exploiting our wealth and assets.

In such a circumstance the Government of India should first lay down its arms,� asserted the RPF chief.

Not satisfied with occupying Manipur, the Government of India has been launching a series of propaganda to defeat the revolutionary movement, claimed the RPF Chairman.

However the Government of India should realise that this tactic has long ceased to be effective, said the statement and added that today the people of Manipur are an enlightened lot, ready to stand on their own feet.

�The question, how can a small State like Manipur survive on its own, is an outdated concept,� said the RPF leader and added that the Government of India should think how they can right their wrongs.

The harbingers of the Govt of India, its leaders, intellectuals etc have not abandoned their double standard till date, he said and added that this culture is unlikely to be discarded.

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