UNLF underscores importance of self reliance
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 08 2017:
While greeting all the people of Manipur on the occasion of the 30th raising day of Manipur People's Army (MPA), the UNLF's Military Affairs Committee (MAC) has underscored the importance of economic self reliance.
A statement issued by MAC Chairman Kh Pambei remarked that the ongoing crime against humanity which has created acute shortage of essential commodities in Manipur is an outcome of Manipur being a subordinate State of India.
It is an anti-people, communal act of genocide committed by India in cahoots with its agents.
Any conspiracy of the Government of India which impinges upon the interest of Manipur, the people of Manipur would give a befitting reply.
Even though this crime against humanity is being committed by a handful of self-centred people, it has its positive sides in Manipur where a liberation movement is going on, said the outfit.
When the people of Manipur stop using goods brought from India for some length of time, they would be able to distance themselves from India and the attitude of sheer dependence on India would disappear slowly, Pambei asserted.
People of Manipur have been ingrained with a notion that Manipur cannot survive without depending on India.
As an outcome of this notion, the people of Manipur depended too much on India.
Now people have been facing a deplorable situation as goods are no longer coming from India.
This woeful situation can be addressed effectively only when the people of Manipur stop using goods imported from India and the sovereignty of Manipur is restored, asserted the MAC Chairman.
At the same time, there is a need to enhance agricultural as well as industrial productivity of Manipur.
It is also equally important not to let India use Manipur as their captive market and prevent them from exploiting the natural resources of Manipur found underground.
To free Manipur from permanent subjugation by India, the people need to embark on a path of self determination, it asserted.
Pointing out that Manipur is home to different ethnic groups, Pambei underscored the importance of cultivating a sense of oneness among all the ethnic groups.
Only when there is sense of oneness, there will be peace and harmony.
The question of freedom encompasses all the ethnic groups and there cannot be separate freedom for a community or two.
Stating that MPA has been able to battle against Indian military forces because of the continued support provided by the people, the MAC Chairman conveyed gratitude to all the people.
It also reminded that the MPA was set up on February 9, 1987.MPA would continue its struggle until Manipur achieves freedom and it would go together with like-minded revolutionary groups of Manipur and WESEA, Pambei continued.
While extending revolutionary salute to all the fraternal revolutionary organisations and their military wings, the MAC paid homage to all the revolutionaries who have laid down their lives in the course of the liberation movement and civilians who have been killed by the adversary forces.