MPA celebrates 37th raising day : 'Will protect integrity of Manipur'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 09 2024:
The Pambei led United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and its armed wing Manipur People's Army (MPA) will not remain silent whenever there is a threat to the State's integrity, said acting chairman of the outfit Moirangthem Nongyai.
The 37th raising day of MPA was held across the State and beyond today at its Central Headquarters, General Headquarters 1st Brigade, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Brigade, Battalion-291, Battalion-292, Battalion-293, Battalion-241, Battalion-242, Pakhangba Battalion, Thangjing Battalion, Marjing Battalion, Koubru Battalion, Nongpok Ningthou Battalion and several other sub-units of the outfit.
The acting chairman of the Pambei led UNLF hoisted the MPA's flag during the main observance which was held under the theme "Courage and Sacrifice" at the Marjing Battalion of MPA's General Headquarters 1st Brigade and offered tributes to its deceased cadres.
Senior officials, officers, NCOs, cadres of the outfit and leaders of different civil society organisations, meira paibi lups attended the raising day and paid floral tributes in honour of the slain cadres of MPA.
A two-minute silence was also observed as a revolutionary salute to all its cadres who died in the course of the struggle while cadres of MPA sang in unison a patriotic song.
Cadres, both men and women, student leaders took out a parade later.
Gifts were brought by the guests of the raising day and they gave blessings to the cadres of the outfit.
Speaking as the chief guest, M Nongyai said that MPA was established on February 9, 1987 with its first training base located in Eastern Nagaland.
Saying that the training in the initial days was held with limited resources and with a couple of weapons given by NSCN, Nongyai added that MPA became more vibrant over the course of time with the support of the people and started operating in hill regions.
On Manipur violence, Nongyai said that the Meiteis didn't do any wrongs to the Kukis.
Asking why the Kukis are being belligerent to the Meiteis, he added that UNLF and MPA will not remain silent when there is a threat to the State's integrity.
Saying that not all Kukis are the adversary of Meiteis, Nongyai maintained that many Kukis are still in touch with the Meiteis and they don't support the hostility being carried out by their kindred though they don't say it publicly.
The Pambei led UNLF hasn't surrendered its arms to the Government, he said and assured that they will do whatever it takes to keep the State intact.
Asking all concerned to not send those who haven't undergone proper military training to the battlefield and let them deal with the aggressors, Nongyai said that the presence of amateurs at the battlefield is a hindrance to them.
Delivering the presidential speech, chief of army staff-in charge of MPA and secretary of external and regional affairs Th Sidabamapu said that they will continue the freedom struggle to restore the sovereignty of Manipur despite agreeing to hold talks with the Government.
Appealing to its cadres to respect the elders, behave and never intimidate the people, he said that they will dedicate their lives for the cause of Manipur as long as they are alive.
General secretary of the outfit Chabungbam Thanil, on the other hand, said that Manipur was once an independent kingdom with a history spanning thousands of years.
He said that saving Manipur has become the responsibility of every Manipuri at the moment.
Finance secretary I Tonsana, secretary (org) S Nongdol and assistant secretary of human resources development O Loiyumba were the guests of honour.
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