Feb. 8, 2025: The Manipur People’s Army (MPA), the army wing of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) led by Chairman Khundongbam Pambei, sends its greetings and revolutionary salute to the people of Manipur on the occasion of its 38th Raising Day on the 9th of February.
The MPA, founded on the 9th of February 1987, unfolded a new chapter in the movement of the struggle to restore Manipur’s sovereignty, and it pays rich tribute and homage to all of its departed souls, leaders, and brave hearts who sacrificed and laid down their lives in the course of the movement, according to a statement issued to the press by the Military Affairs Committee, UNLF.
The statement said the day is being observed not as a celebration but in respect and remembrance of those who have sacrificed their lives in the movement and to renew the unwavering courage of the MPA in the future.
The birth of the MPA, 38 years ago, was not driven by simple steps through indulgences but by the people’s mandate to break away from the bondage of colonial rule, to restore lost sovereignty, to lay the foundation of a society based on equality, and to enable every community to protect its unique identity, the statement also said.
The statement said that during its initial founding period, many of its members and founding leaders faced pain and suffering, including hunger and death from ‘falciparum malaria,’ and later, from 1990, it initiated its armed struggle.
With the beginning of the new millennium, since the start of the year 2000, the MPA ‘armed campaign’ began to have a tremendous impact and fought over 50 battles (against Indian forces) inside Manipur’s territory from 2003 to 2009. These included Sajik Tampak of Chandel District, Khengjoy Hill Ranges, Somtal, Molcham, and various other areas in Churachandpur District (now Pherzawl District), paving the way into the ‘liberated zone,’ the issued press statement said. The statement also quoted that the UNLF/MPA has also lost the lives of 330 MPA members and 27 LM/LV members in and around 200 events of gunfights so far.
Along with this, under the direction of the organization, the MPA also launches ‘Social Reformation’ activities that clean out various social dirt and activities to right all the wrongs, it said.
The statement also stated, “Asengba yawolloi haibasidi awaangba meenungsina lamjing-i.” – Che Guevara (“The true revolutionary is guided by a great feeling of love.”) Similarly, the MPA is also guided by the great feeling of love for its land, its people, and the unique ethnic identity of the people.
More significantly, the statement added that the formal signing of the ceasefire agreement with the Government of India and the initiation of ‘Political Dialogue’ should not be considered or perceived as a defeat or submission.
The statement said that rather, it was the Government of India that initiated the proposal, realizing that the decades-long armed struggle of the UNLF is not just an armed conflict but a highly justified political demand.
The press statement added, “For years, the Indian state mismanaged this conflict, treating it as a mere security issue while ignoring the deeper political realities. But now, they have come to acknowledge that our struggle is rooted in history and justice, and that military means cannot suppress the legitimate aspirations of our people.
It was this realization that compelled them to propose a ceasefire, paving the way for a political dialogue—a dialogue that will center around the most fundamental issue: the sovereignty of Manipur.”
“Recognizing this, the UNLF has taken the historic step by entering into a peace agreement to initiate political dialogue with the Government of India. This is a calculated and honorable move to resolve the decades-long conflict through meaningful political solutions.
The press statement said the objective remains the same: the liberation of Manipur and the realization of its people’s aspirations. As Mao Zedong rightly said, “Politics is war without bloodshed while war is politics with bloodshed.” This dialogue represents the continuation of our struggle on a different front, and it is a testament to the strength and sacrifices of the MPA that we have reached this stage.”
The statement said this ceasefire is not an end but a new beginning. It is an opportunity to engage in meaningful political negotiations that will shape the future of Manipur. “Our stance remains firm: any political settlement must be based on the aspirations of our people and the historical truth of our nationhood. We will not compromise on the fundamental principles of our struggle.”
While the party leadership engages in political dialogue, the role of the MPA remains as critical as ever. “I urge every soldier of the MPA to stay vigilant and prepared. Peace is not the absence of conflict; it is the outcome of relentless effort and sacrifice. As we enjoy this time of relative peace—a luxury that has long been denied to us—we must remain ready to face any challenges that may arise.
As Fidel Castro once said, “A revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past.” The forces that oppose our liberation have not disappeared, and we must remain steadfast in our mission to protect the integrity and future of Manipur.
In recent times, we have faced another significant challenge: the armed conflict with an ethnic militia. This conflict has threatened the unity and territorial integrity of Manipur, but the MPA has risen to the occasion with courage and resolve. The MPA played a vital role in defending our land, our people, and our shared identity against attempts to divide and destabilize us. We must remain vigilant in safeguarding the integrity of Manipur.
Our struggle is not just for the Meitei people but for all communities that call this land their home. The MPA has shown that it is not only a force of resistance but also a force of unity, standing for justice and equality for all.
The struggle continues, and so does our commitment. With unity, determination, and the unbreakable spirit of our people, we shall march forward towards the ultimate goal—a free, sovereign, and independent Manipur.
