The outfit asserted that the people of Manipur can only fully exercise their democratic rights upon the restoration of Manipur’s independence. It implored all individuals not to immerse themselves in India’s electoral politics
TFM Desk
The proscribed United National Liberation Front (UNLF), Manipur led by Koireng, has reiterated its stand of non-involvement in elections conducted under the Government of India. In a statement issued on Sunday, M Shak-Hen, secretary of publicity of Koireng-led UNLF, maintained that the Indian political and electoral frameworks are detrimental to the values of the Manipuri people. The outfit urged the people of Manipur not to place their trust in the Indian electoral system.
It further said the Lok Sabha elections held under India’s decayed democracy on April 19 vividly showcased the division and societal unrest in Manipur it sparked. Noting the rampant violence and electoral misconduct orchestrated by armed groups as a disturbing trend, the statement said it has marked a new and sinister dimension introduced by Indian elections.
Numerous instances were reported of anti-democratic and anti-people actions such as gunfire, voter intimidation, and extensive proxy voting. These activities collectively signaled a deliberate and organized assault on democracy, it said.
On accusations of its involvement in certain election-related incidents at Iroisemba by some womenfolk, the Koireng-led UNLF denied any hand in the Iroisemba incidents. Not limited to Iroisemba alone, all undesirable occurrences at various locations are symptomatic of the corrupt politics practiced by the affluent political elite of India, it said.
“Our people must grasp that genuine democracy cannot flourish in Manipur under India’s dominion,” it asserted. Since Kuki militants, purportedly backed by India, initiated hostilities against the Meitei community on May 3, 2023, both the Meitei community’s survival and Manipur’s integrity have faced grave peril, inflicting profound suffering upon all. “Instead of confronting these dangers and adversities together, the populace is being fragmented due to involvement in India’s foreign political norms,” the outfit continued.
Incidents have been reported of ‘some unidentified armed individuals’ intimidating and harassing mothers who were tending to the safety and necessities of village defense volunteers over the past 11 months. “All such unwelcome occurrences are consequences of engagement in the Indian electoral process,” it asserted.
The Koireng-led UNLF asserted that the people of Manipur can only fully exercise their democratic rights upon the restoration of Manipur’s independence. “Placing trust in democracy, the UNLF previously proposed a plebiscite to resolve the Manipur-India conflict, yet the Government of India offered no response,” it stated.
Subsequently, the outfit implored all individuals not to immerse themselves in India’s electoral politics, characterized by the pursuit of power through various unjust means, including monetary and physical coercion. Urging vigilance against those aligned with the Government of India, the outfit further called upon everyone to concentrate on collectively confronting the threats to Manipur’s existence and integrity.