39th foundation day : RPF pins hope on external forces-I
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 24 2018: Revolutionary People's Front (RPF) President Irengbam Chaoren has categorically stated that drawing external forces into the liberation movement or supporting forces which are hostile to India and converting their strength into the liberation movement's strength would be the most effective means of regaining the sovereignty of Manipur.

On the occasion of the 39th foundation day (February 25) of RPF which the outfit also observes as Independence Demand Day, Irengbam Chaoren conveyed warm greetings to all the people and saluted all the 'martyrs' who had paid with their precious lives for the cause of the National liberation movement.

A statement issued by the rebel leader asserted that a peaceful and progressive situation can be achieved in Manipur only when the country becomes independent and freed from any foreign domination.

The restive situation prevailing in the society and the shadowy development seen in the land are all results of living under the alleged Indian colonial rule for many decades, and India is notorious for its teeming millions of poor and racism.

"The present degenerated situation is a consequence of overlooking our own identity at one historical point of time, the tendency to merge with India, its culture and traditions and subsequent surrender of our political and economic rights to the foreign power", Chaoren asserted.

Now Manipur has been enveloped with thick multiple layers of the Indian political system and its traditions.

"As a result we have forgotten our own identity and we are in a dream world of being genuine Indians.

Such a way of living and perception of things is one fundamental factor for the downfall of Manipur.

We are a people drifting without any direction amidst the political turmoil.

To free ourselves from this life of subjugation and servitude, and put Manipur on a new trajectory of freedom and progress, we must overthrow the Indian colonial rule", continued the rebel leader.

Some people have been blaming the revolutionary movement for the restive situation prevailing in the society and its economic underdevelopment.

But this is a misplaced concept.

Since the day India allegedly annexed Manipur, New Delhi completely took over all the administrative and political powers and all economic policies were designed to suit their alleged colonial interests.

Thus, the political and socio-economic life of the people of Manipur was driven in the direction they chose.

The highly degenerated socio-economic and political condition, and the anarchy seen today in Manipur are direct products of the alleged colonial policies of India.

There is no room for the revolutionary movement to intervene into this sorry state of affairs nor is there any question of the revolutionary movement posing hurdles to "economic development.

On the contrary, the revolutionary movement has been taking pivotal roles towards bringing a peaceful and progressive society, read the statement.

The understanding that economic development will have adverse impacts on the revolutionary movement is totally wrong.

Economic development can never alter the idea of and commitment to the liberation movement.

The ongoing revolutionary movement of Manipur would be different from the many revolutionary movements seen in different parts of the world in 1950s/1960s.Freedom, Democracy and Development have become the fundamental parameters of defining a Nation in the 21 st century where the light of unprecedented development has reached every comer of the planet.

In this scenario, the classical concepts of revolution can no longer guide the National liberation movement of Manipur.

"We must have a clear understanding of the kind of peaceful and progressive society we are yearning.

Our forefathers and ancestors laid the foundation of Manipuri Nation on a solid and firm ground called freedom.

To our forefathers, freedom is the soul of a Nation.

"A momentary life of freedom is far better than living 100 years under bondage" Chaoren quoted and asserted that the same statement was a common saying among the forefathers.

Living a life of slavery while the people are completely denied their freedom can never be called a peaceful life.

There is no meaning to economic development when the political reins of the Nation are controlled by foreign power.

"We are aware that the ongoing revolutionary movement against the colonial rule is related with the economic development and social tranquillity but we firmly believe that restoration of sovereignty should precede all other National duties", asserted the RPF President.

Even if the masses wish to stay away from the liberation movement, the idea of freedom galvanized by the long history will never fade and the revolutionaries, representing the people will write a new history of independent Manipur.

Some people have been working hard to project that the revolutionary movement and the masses are traversing on two separate, unconnected paths, and this is a matter of serious concern.

All the educated sons and daughters and all those who have excelled in different disciplines invariably love Manipur.

The future generations too will never study or interpret the history of Manipur in the wrong light.

Even if they cannot take active roles in the revolutionary movement at present, there will come a time when they use their expertise, knowledge, wisdom and physical resources for advancement of the revolutionary movement.

Many sons and daughters of the soil who have settled in different parts of the planet will come back when Manipur regains its sovereignty and they will use their knowledge and resources freely for the welfare of the motherland.

It is one phenomenon witnessed in many countries which had achieved independence from imperial powers, it said.

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