'Liberation remains unchanged'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 18 2026: Even though the Government of India and the Pambei-led UNLF have signed a ceasefire agreement, no formal talk has started between the two sides.

This was stated by the outfit's former General Secretary Chabungbam Thanil at the 9th Martyrs Day held at Nongpok Sanjenbam, Imphal East today.

Categorically saying that the party's conviction to liberate Manipur remains unchanged, Thanil maintained that they would not compromise the question of Manipur's sovereignty with anything.

He maintained that the outfit has been preparing to hold political dialogue with the Government of India with independence of Manipur as the main agenda.

'Liberation remains unchanged'

He recalled that the UNLF was set up in 1964 with Khalalung Kamei as president, Thangkhopao Singsit as vice-president, and Arambam Samarendra, Nongmaithem Pahari, NK Sanajaoba, Dr L Manimohon and Laishram Kanhai as members.

During the last 60 years of the liberation movement, the outfit has lost around 500 leaders, soldiers and members in battles fought with security forces and to natural causes including diseases, Thanil said.

To pay homage to these martyred leaders, soldiers and members, the outfit has been observing May 18 as Martyrs Day, Thanil said before adding that a memorial complex dedicated to the martyrs is being developed at Nongpok Sanjenbam.

He said that the Pambei-led UNLF has a policy of not targeting Manipur Police.

Following a proposal from the Government of India for a political dialogue, a team of Indian officials met some representatives of the Pambei-led UNLF in a foreign country in 2021 .

"During the meeting, we made it clear that there is no point in holding political dialogue if the question of Manipur's independence should not be addressed", the former General Secretary said.

"It was only after the Government of India agreed to talk on Manipur's independence that the party's functionaries and members including myself came back to Manipur on April 29, 2023", Thanil said.

He said that the Government of India and the Pambei-led UNLF signed a ceasefire agreement on November 29, 2023 .

The Martyrs' Day observation organised by the Observation Committee 18th May was attended by EGM president Khogendra Khomdram, AMWJU president Asem Bhakta, Village Development Committee Nongpok Sanjenbam chairman Moirangthem Himalay, Kangleipak Tourist Centre Nongpok Sanjenbam president Yumkhaibam Girani and Observation Committee 18th May president Maibam Ningthempishak as presidium members.

After observing silence for two minutes in honour of the martyrs, the gathering which included family members of the martyrs, party leaders, members, CSO and local villagers leaders paid floral tributes to the martyrs at the temporary memorial.

Speaking at the gathering, Khogendra Khomdram said that many organisations have been working relentlessly to build a united Manipur but there are also many elements who have been plotting consistently to jeopardise any attempt to consolidate the unity and integrity of Manipur .

In addition to the Meitei-Kuki and Naga-Kuki conflicts, a new situation of conflict is arising between Kukis and Thadous, he said.

It's time to bury all hatchets and focus on building a united Manipur, Khogendra said.

Observation Committee 18th May member Sukham Ranjit read out the message of the party's Central Committee at the gathering.

Saying that a number of the party's leaders, soldiers and members have laid down their lives in the course of the liberation movement, the Central Committee pledged that they will uphold the lofty ideals of the martyrs and reaffirmed their commitment to win back the independence of Manipur.