‘Manipur Meeyami Laanmee,’ the Manipur People’s Army (MPA), the armed wing of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), Manipur, completes its 39th year of existence on the 9th of February (Monday). On this occasion, the Military Affairs Committee (MAC) of the UNLF pays its highest respects and revolutionary salutes to all its leaders and cadres who have put their dedication and sacrifice at the forefront.
This day, the 9th of February, will be marked with red letters in the history of the sovereign movement in Manipur. On this founding anniversary of the Manipur People’s Army (MPA), the UNLF pays its highest respect to all the courageous fallen heroes and to all those who have survived torture and are living incapacitated during the course of this movement, according to a statement issued by the Military Affairs Committee of the UNLF. It added that it is their dedication that laid the strong foundation till today, which is not just an episode in history.
The UNLF also expresses its gratitude to all those who have now retired from the outfit due to the situation and personal health ailments, and said their contributions have always shaped the history of the outfit at critical junctures.
The UNLF further stated that the times have brought the outfit to a political dialogue with the Government of India, sitting across the same table to resolve the Manipur–India conflict. It added that some, who do not have full knowledge of every episode and the historical past of the movement, are trying to misinterpret the event in a way that suggests the movement has been liquidated. The UNLF said that “political dialogue and ceasefire,” along with their rules and agreements, are universally accepted norms and means to resolve conflicts. It also stated that the armies of the MPA have not laid down their arms in this movement but are still standing strong and unshakable today.
It further stated that, unlike in the past, when they stayed hidden in misty mountains and dense forests, the outfit has now been able to establish and stay in their respective camps widely and openly, which is not necessarily an act of giving up to opponents. The armies have now been able to relocate from dilapidated polythene-roofed temporary camps into their respective permanent camps. The outfit is now able to stand in a stable condition, without having to endure half-meals, half-days and nights, and continue the movement on the right track.
The statement also added that in the race of human civilisation, across several episodes of history, geopolitics keep changing without cease. Societies ruled by imperialism after the end of the Second World War were also swept by both capitalism and socialism during the era of the Cold War. It stated that in order to strengthen a nation in times of conflict, the strength of the army, advancements in technology, and control of natural resources have a deep impact. It added that it is now high time to ponder and observe beyond the ideas of self-reliance and self-dependence, in sync with changing times.
It further stated that it is now an imperative need to pave the way for future generations towards a healthy, intellectually productive, and drug-free society. The need has also arisen, while keeping the objective intact, to build a society with full integrity and free from corruption, and the responsibility taken by the MPA also needs to be recognised. The outfit stated that it has made considerable dedication and effort in internal affairs, health, and education. At this time of ongoing political dialogue, it said the need has arisen for unity and strength, and that enlivening the spirit of revolution depends on collective unity and strength.
