A memorial event commemorating the 8th death anniversary of Ayekpam Wangpa, also known as Tonna, was held today at Langol’s Ima Thongak Lairembi complex. The occasion was marked by the unveiling of a statue in honor of the late revolutionary figure, who served as the Chief of Army Staff of the Manipur People’s Army (MPA), the military wing of the proscribed United National Liberation Front (UNLF).
Organized by the Ayekpam Wangpa Memorial Trust, the remembrance ceremony drew the presence of UNLF General Secretary Ch. Thanil; Chief of Army Staff Kh. Khomba; Ayekpam Wangpa Memorial Trust Advisor Ayekpam Anandini; and Trust Chairman Y. Nabachandra, along with family members, former comrades, and admirers who paid floral tributes and offered personal recollections of Wangpa’s life, sacrifices, and vision.
Born in 1975 in Naoremthong Laishram Leirak, Wangpa became involved in the armed movement in his youth. Rising swiftly through the ranks, he was appointed MPA’s Chief of Army Staff in 1997. His leadership earned him the position of Vice Chairman during the UNLF’s General Assembly in 2014, a role he retained until his death in 2017.
Described by his contemporaries as fearless, disciplined, and deeply committed, Ayekpam Wangpa left a lasting impression on the course of Manipur’s political struggle. Speakers at the memorial urged the younger generation to learn from his principles of unity, integrity, and courage.
The event concluded with a call to continue dialogues across communities and to uphold the vision of a just and inclusive society that Wangpa had long stood for.
