Ceasefire is not the end: Pambei-led UNLF
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 08 2025: The Military Affairs Committee (MAC) of the Pambei-led United National Liberation Front (UNLF), Manipur, has paid tributes to the leaders of the outfit who made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of the people on the eve of the 38th raising day of its armed wing Manipur Peo-ple's Army (MPA) .

The committee also paid revolutionary salute to the cadres of MPA and other outfits fighting for the same cause and the people of Manipur who have been suffering under the alleged oppressive regime.

This day serves as a reminder of the courage and sacrifices made by MPA cadres in their fight for freedom and self-determination to reaffirm their commitment to the cause, said the MAC in a statement.

MPA emerged 38 years ago to fight against the alleged colonial rule of India and reclaim the lost sovereignty of the Manipuri people, the MAC said.

The committee went on to state that the MPA was established to turn the vision of an egalitarian Manipur society into reality.

Saying that the MPA faced significant challenges and hardships during its formation days, including the loss of many leaders to malaria, the committee main- tained that the MPA initiated armed action against the Indian military forces from the 1990s.Claiming that MPA achieved significant victories against the Indias military forces in various battles and the same have been scripted in history, the MAC maintained that the armed campaign of the MPA greatly impacted the Government of India.

MPA clashed with Indian military forces over 50 times during 2003 to 2009 at different places in Chandel, Churachandpur and Pherzawl such as Sajik Tampak, Khengjoy, Somtal, Molcham etc, it claimed .

Saying that the encounters with Indian military forces strengthened the resolve and commitment of the MPA, the committee maintained that the MPA managed to establish a 'liberated zone' at many places after the encounters.

The tension between India and Manipur is not a simple law and order issue but a political conflict, the MAC claimed and added that the Pambei led UNLF agreed to hold a 'comprehensive' political dialogue with the Indian Government as the latter approached them for talks.

Saying that MPA has lost 330 cadres and another 27 LM/LV in over 200 battles fought against the Indian military forces, the MAC claimed that the casualty, however, is higher among the IOF.

Apart from the armed campaign against the IOF, MPA has also been engaging in social reformation activities under the guidance of the party leaders, the committee said and added that the people of Manipur have been extending support to the MPA.

MPA has been fighting and sacrificing for the cause of Manipur, it said while quoting a line by Che-Guevera "The true revolutionary is guided by a great feeling of love" .

It would be wrong to assume that the outfit has sold the liberation movement by signing a formal ceasefire agreement with the Government of India (GoI), the MAC clarified and claimed that the outfit decided to hold dialogue with the GoI to work out an honourable solution to the conflict between India and Manipur.

The outfit won't hesitate to walk out from the ceasefire agreement if the GoI is not going to honour the interest of Manipur, it said and added that the Pambei led UNLF will never compromise the movement to reclaim the sovereignty of Manipur.

Ceasefire is not the end of the struggle to win back the freedom of Manipur but the beginning of a new chapter, the MAC said and added their political negotiation only aims to secure the future of Manipur.

The committee further said that the outfit will never work against the interest of the people of Manipur.

Saying that the outfit still faces many obstacles in their freedom struggle, the MAC advised the MPA cadres to remain vigilant.

Claiming that the inimical force has been using a particular community to disturb the unity and integrity of Manipur, the MAC added that the fight between Myanmar Army and pro democracy groups not only impact the WESEA region but also has geo-political implications in India.

Comment