Imphal, December 08: Despite the intensive offensive launched by a large number of security personnel since November 18 to drive off MPA cadres from Dingpi which is the base area of MPA's 293 Bn and from Khengjoi range, the security forces have not been able to secure any success in their offensive so far, asserted the UNLF in a press release issued by its Senior Publicity Officer Ksh Yoiheiba.

Against one MPA cadre killed in a gun fight, more than 9 security personnel have been killed and many others injured, claimed Yoiheiba while clarifying that there has been no other casualty on the side of MPA.

The areas which the security forces have been claiming to have captured from the MPA are just a few outposts, located at the periphery of the base area of MPA's 293 Bn.

Stating that Sehlon and Tuitung were its mobile base areas, the outfit asserted that its 293 Bn Hqs and other important Coy Hqs are safe and intact under the watchful eyes of MPA cadres.

Villages such as Joupi, Hengkot, Helyang and Holejang which the security forces claimed to have captured from the MPA have been under their control since earlier with their posts established at different spots.

Sehlon and Tuitung are the only areas which the security forces have been able to take control of in their ongoing offensive so far, informed Yoiheiba adding that the security forces are unable to advance further from Tuitung.

Contrary to their attempt to hoodwink media persons by saying that they have stopped firing mortar shells so as to avoid any collateral damage to civilians, more than 100 villagers of S Bongjoi and another 250 villagers of Old Somtal are currently taking shelter at Tuileng and New Somtal respectively because of heavy mortar firing by security forces which stands at 200 shells daily on average, alleged the UNLF.

The refusal of the security forces to allow the visiting media team to go beyond Tuitung with the ulterior motive of keeping the woes of displaced villagers under wraps only contradicts the claim of the security force, it added.

To avoid casualties to innocent villagers who are allegedly often used by security forces as mine sweepers and human shields, MPA refrained from resorting to bomb traps this time, it asserted.

Taking advantage of the stance of the MPA, the security forces were able to move in stealthily easily.

In addition, the security forces were assisted by a Kuki armed group in their offensive, Yoiheiba noted.

Nevertheless, the MPA cadres will fight back the security forces resolutely to save the people from their (security forces) clutches.

For the UNLF and MPA, the entire length and breadth of Manipur is a battlefield, asserted UNLF adding that MPA cadres are always ready to make any sacrifice for the nation.

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