Pambei-led UNLF extends greetings on 60th raising day
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 27 2024: According to the annual statement of the Central Committee of Pambei-led UNLF, Kuki-Zo people came from neighbouring Myanmar to Manipur few centuries back and they continue to enter Manipur and the WESEA region in a systematic manner under the patronage of some mischievous political leaders.

The statement further said that Kuki-Zo people who took part in the first democratic election of Manipur held in 1948 will be considered as citizens of Manipur and they are entitled to get all the democratic rights and facilities as guaranteed by the government.

Nevertheless, they do not have moral legitimacy to demand a separate homeland in Manipur.

They might set up nests oh a tree to live but cannot claim owner of the tree.

On the other hand, Kuki-Zo people who came to Manipur after 1948 election are illegal immigrants.

These illegal immigrants are not only disturbing peace and harmony in Manipur but also attacking indigenous people and their mischievous act indeed was waging of war against Manipur.

However, the Front will fight with all its might against such armed aggressors targeting indigenous people of Manipur and it is the firm decision of UNLF to fight such aggressors till the last blood.

Fortunately, the UNLF is able to openly confront Kuki-Zo terrorists to save the people of Manipur owing to the signing of ceasefire agreement with the Government of India (GOI) .

If there was no such agreement, it would have been very difficult for Manipur People's Army (MPA) cadres to move with ease in areas designated as red zones.

At this juncture, it is essential to collectively understand that the territorial integrity of Manipur is cannot be compromised with.

Unlike Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram or Arunachal Pradesh states, all formed by India, Manipur was a State (pre-existing State) before the formation of the Indian Union in 1950 and Manipur state was not formed with any Act of Indian Parliament.

The land of Manipur is the priceless gift of generations of indigenous people who lived with a proud history since time immemorial.

The Treaty of Mutual Trade and Defence signed with the English East India Company in 1872 recognised Manipur's sovereignty and territory.

The Treaty of Yandaboo signed between the British and Burma (now Myanmar) after the first Anglo-Burmese War in 1826 also recognised the sovereignty of Manipur.

The Jiri Treaty signed between the British and Manipur in 1833 finalised the territory of Manipur for the last time.

After regaining sovereignty for more than two years, Manipur was forcibly merged to the Dominion of India in 1949.With these undeniable historical facts, the Government of India has no right to alter territory of a pre-existing State like Manipur.

The territory of Manipur before getting independence remained infact on August 14-15, 1947 and the same territory remained unchanged when India annexed Manipur on October 15,1949 .

If such historical and legal facts are not recognised and honoured, then there will be unending war in the region and there could be intolerable impact and suffering on all parties involved in the war, the annual statement cautioned.

(To be Contd) .

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