PREPAK to observe Martyrs Day on Nov 12
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 09 2024:
The proscribed People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) will be observing Athouba Singgi Ningsing Numit/Martyrs Day on November 12 in honour of the martyred revolutionaries.
The proscribed group has been observing Athouba Singgi Ningsing Numit every year on November 12 since 1979 to remember the sudden attack on its transit camp at Leimarok near Kameng on November 12, 1978 wherein outfit's Dhiren and Kabikanta along with a PLA cadre Gambhir were killed.
The day also coincides with the November 12, 1985 firing incident at Kabowakching sugar factory wherein outfit's then supreme commander RK Tulachandra alias Loyataba laid down his life for the cause of the people of Kangleipak.
On the occasion, the outfit pays its highest honour to all the revolutionaries who laid down their lives during the course of the movement for restoring the lost sovereignty of Kangleipak (Manipur) and appeals to people to light candles and offer prayers for the martyred souls on November 12 evening at every residential gate.
On account of the observance, the outfit has called for halting all forms of entertainment programmes on the day.
According to a PREPAK statement, the annexation of Kangleipak by India in 1949 was unjustified with no legitimate basis for the takeover.
The outfit argued that the annexation had led to the destruction of local governance structures and imposed unfair territorial and developmental restrictions, which continue to be contested by India.
Refering to Article 3 of Kangleipak's Constitution of 1947, the PREPAK asserted that all lands over which the King had authority, belonged solely to the kingdom.
"Accordingly, any foreign power including India attempting to claim Kangleipak's territory was deemed unlawful.
The establishment of an Arbitration Commission was deemed essential for verifying such claims and protecting the region's territorial integrity," the PREPAK statement issued by charge-de-affair's of publicity and propaganda Leibaak Ngakpa Luwang said.
While reminding that historical records from the 19th century confirmed Kangleipak's territorial legitimacy even amidst disputes with neighbouring states like Burma, the PREPAK statement emphasized the need for transparency in border issues and suggested that a White Paper be produced to clarify Kangleipak's boundaries.
It also said that Article 3 of Indian Constitution might be applicable in other states of India but not in Kangleipak as India forcibly annexed the land on October 15, 1949 in violation of all forms of laws.
Taking serious view of the recent remarks by incumbent Mizoram's chief minister Lalduhoma in Indianapolis, USA, who had called for a unified homeland for the Chin-Kuki-Zo communities, the PREPAK statement cautioned implications of such statements on India's territorial policies, particularly in relation to Kangleipak.
"Lalduhoma's remark and the role of India in the present unstable situation in Kangleipak since May 3, 2023 confirmed that it is not an ethnic violence but an attempt to distort the territorial integrity of Kangleipak," it said, adding that the attempt to distort territorial integrity of Kangleipak cannot be concealed now.
The outfit then stated that India needs to take their steps wisely and cautiously.
"If India continues to take steps with the sole objective of distorting Kangleipak, it would a suicidal policy for them and the country would be broken into pieces on the issue of Kangleipak," the PREPAK statement warned.
While reaffirming outfit's commitment to sovereignty and independence of Kangleipak, the PREPAK statement said that blood of the martyrs continues to inspire the ongoing struggle and their sacrifices are a lasting reminder of the people's determination to resist foreign occupation.
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