Campaign of terror, asserts RPF-II
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 25 2023:

Contd from previous issue .

The recent campaign of alleged State-sponsored terrorism, characterized by India's conspicuous silence, has not only provoked resentment among the populace but has also violated another UN article, the RPF President continued.

The International Law Commission, operating under the auspices of the United Nations, has developed the "Responsibilities of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts (Articles on State Responsibility)," which delineates the principles governing state accountability for internationally wrongful actions.

If a government's actions or omissions contribute to or support terrorism, it could be held responsible under these principles.

Despite the passage of weeks and months, the Kuki armed groups continue to launch attacks on innocent civilians from areas allegedly protected by the Indian armed forces.

Alarmingly, not only have the Indian armed forces failed to intervene to safeguard the civilians, they have also obstructed the attempts of these civilians to defend themselves.

The Indian armed forces have employed force, including physical assaults, dispersal techniques, and firing upon unarmed crowds, and these outrageous actions have given the United Nations a compelling reason to take action against India, reads the rebel leader's statement.

India, like many other countries, have signed many agreements to combat terrorism and its various manifestations, including State-sponsored terrorism.

By participating in numerous United Nations resolutions, India has emphasized the significance of global cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

India has also been a member of international organizations such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF), among others.

India has also demonstrated its willingness to cooperate by entering into bilateral and multilateral agreements that encompass provisions for intelligence sharing, capacity building, extradition and collaborative efforts in the fight against terrorism.

It is indeed surprising that India insists on its partners to adhere to these agreements while showing no intention of honouring them itself.

While serving a two-year sentence following their arrest by the Myanmar army, 22 revolutionary comrades, including 12 from Manipur and 10 from Assam, were granted clemency by the then President of Myanmar, U Win Myint.

They were subsequently handed over to India on May 15, 2020, in accordance with India's request.

However, when Myanmar requested that India extradite the Kuki People's Democratic Front (PDF) members, including one fugitive from Myanmar who later assumed a leadership role within a Kuki group that had signed the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with India, India did not comply.

These events have raised questions about India's sincerity in its commitment to combat terrorism, it remarked.

The acts of political and economic extortion carried out by armed groups in Manipur, operating allegedly with the support of the Indian Government, along sections of the Asian Highway that hold significant importance in the global economy, are undeniably harmful.

In addition to the territorial boundaries of Manipur, India has orchestrated extortion and blockades along the section of the Asian Highway from Tamu to Khampat by leveraging Kuki armed groups. State-sponsored terrorism by India along the Asian Highway section in Manipur and the Sagaing Division has impeded the developmental objectives of the Asian region, and this hindrance is likely to persist in the future.

The proverbial cherry on top of the cake is the endorsement of extortion by the Kuki armed groups at Moreh, a vital border trade port, by the Assam Rifles, it alleged.

The State-sponsored terrorism allegedly conducted by India in Manipur can indeed serve as a textbook example, it said.

"The period during which we have endured as an occupied Nation is relatively brief when considered within the context of Manipur's long history.

However, the way our people were compelled to lead such a dismal life with fading hope during this brief period is undeniably disheartening.

It would not be incorrect to anticipate that India will inflict further pain and suffering upon our people in the days ahead", MM Ngouba said.

"The deliberate use of weapons against unarmed women protesters by the Indian security forces serves as a clear and unambiguous response", he added.

"In the current circumstances, retreat is not an option; our only recourse is to stand together, fight as one, and advance steadfastly toward a victorious conclusion.

The solution to the current situation lies in the people's ability to overcome and triumph over this sorrowful state, which will ultimately pave the way for the foundation of a new Manipur", the RPF acting President asserted.

"The responsibility to safeguard our people and the motherland rests equally on each and every one of us, and, if we fail to adequately prepare in line with that responsibility it would be akin to betrayal", he continued.

Saying that the initial phase of providing skills training to the people for self-defence, conducted by the cadres of RPF and the PLA has been successfully completed, MM urged the people to seize this advantageous opportunity and actively participate in the preparations, which will ultimately serve as 'our best defence against any future malicious intentions of the enemy' .

"We must improve our strategies and methods for defence, which includes development and production of weapons.

Knowledgeable individuals and technology professionals should take the initiative and lead in this field.

We must accurately interpret the significance of the phrase 'unity is strength'", the statement read.

"Now, we have come to the realization that there is no one to protect us.

Let us march forward together, bearing the spirit of responsibility, prepare to defend our people and our homeland.

This is the right path, the path to victory", it concluded.

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