Imphal, February 24, 2010: Saluting all those who laid down their lives in the course of the revolutionary movement on its 31st foundation day, also observed as Independence Demand Day, the proscribed Revolutionary People's Front (RPF) has categorically stated that India is not too strong or invincible.

A statement issued by the outfit's president Irengbam Chaoren remarked that no force had succeeded in subjugating people's revolutionary movements.

However, there were instances when revolutionary groups faltered leading to their downfall as well the revolutionary movements.

There is no guarantee that such downfall would not be witnessed in Manipur.

In the light of this possible scenario, all revolutionary groups operating in Manipur should ponder over whether 'our activities are advancing the people's revolutionary movement or pulling down the movement'.

Even if one is claiming to be waging a revolution, the revolutionary movement cannot make any progress if the path being followed is mistaken or goes against the wish and aspiration of the people.

As such, revolutionary groups acting as vanguards of the revolutionary movement must make up their weaknesses and rectify their misdeeds in order to evolve themselves as revolutionary groups worthy of the name.

Conveying best wishes on the 31st foundation of the RPF, Chaoren also lauded the people who have been standing for the nation and the revolutionary movement.

All along the last 60 years, Manipur has been reeling under the alien rule whereas 132 nations have achieved sovereignty and become members of the United Nations during the same period.

The same period also saw self-proclamation of independence by six nations and they have been recognised by some members of the UN.

But sadly, the question of Manipur's sovereignty cannot be put up to the international level till date.

Since the day Manipur came under the suzerainty of India, the Manipuri nation, who have a history of being a sovereign nation for more than 2000 years, have been living a life of servitude without any dignity, the statement opined.

The scourge of poverty afflicting the people of Manipur has been increasing day by day as a result of lack of employment avenues, unemployment and absence of decent sources of livelihood.

The economy of Manipur remains quite backward because of poor transport infrastructure, utter inadequacy of power and water supply and underdevelopment of production sectors.

Violence, killings, various issues and problems happening on daily basis in the society, in to addition to these woes caused by underdevelopment, have put the people at a loss on how to live their life.

Under such circumstances, it is intangible to imagine the future of Manipur within India and its development policies.

Here, it cannot be overlooked that one-third of the total population of India are living below poverty line.

"When more than 23 crore people of India cannot afford even a square meal a day, how much can Manipur expect from New Delhi ?", RPF asked.

Around 6 crore children are working as child labours to earn their livelihood.

Further, 46 per cent of the total children in India under five years of age weigh below the normal, average weight.

"Then with what expectation or faith, should we allow to fall our future generations in the hands of such a regime of New Delhi ?", the outfit questioned.

The regime lacks credibility notwithstanding the claims of economic development/growth as there is no improvement in living standard of people living in rural and remote areas.

Rather, the chasm between the rich and the poor is becoming wider and wider.

On the other hand, India is a country where discrimination based on community and caste is very much prevalent.

Conflict between religious groups and caste system is still in full force.

Demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992, serial murder of Christian minority in eastern India in 2008 and atrocities committed against Dalits and other people belonging to lower castes testifies what kind of country India is.

Again, anti-Sikh riot of 1984, Bombay riot of 1992, Marad massacre of 2002 and the Gujarat violence were clear evidence of suppressing religious minorities.

"To avoid our people taking to such characters and communal mentality, it would be in the fitness of things for all to free ourselves from the alien rule as fast as possible", the RPF chief stated.

Indian leaders, by their words and deeds, have conveyed time and again that New Delhi would not hand over sovereignty of Manipur on platter.

It is not only the rulers but the people of India are also determined to safeguard the territorial integrity of India with all their resources under any circumstances.

Given this situation, it would be sheer imprudence if any one puts faith in resolving the issue of Manipur's sovereignty through peaceful dialogue.

Pointing out that a resolution still eludes the decade-old dialogue between NSCN and the Government of India, the outfit maintained that it would be of no use to experiment with political dialogue at the end of which any practical solution is invisible.

"The only way left to us is to stand firm on the position we believe and strive to overcome India's strength", Chaoren declared.

The RPF chief observed that India is facing serious threats emanating from several internal issues and it is being surrounded by hostile countries.

India cannot help but put maximum of its military resources in the two dimensional conflicts with China and Pakistan over the impasse in Arunachal Pradesh and Kashmir respectively.

New Delhi would be constrained to deploy its armed forces all along the 14,103 Kms long terrestrial border and 7000 Kms long coastal border.

In addition, a considerable strength of its armed forces would have to be stationed in major cities and strategical areas to counter terror attacks by Islamist militants and also to tackle Maoists threats.

Given this scenario, revolutionary groups of the land, if prepared well in time and have the ingenuity to take advantage of such a favourable situation, they can certainly lead the revolutionary movement towards victory, the RPF Chief asserted.

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