Observing its 47th Foundation Day which falls on October 9, PREPAK has claimed that the geopolitical landscape in Manipur is increasingly shaped by the overlapping interests of India and China, particularly against the backdrop of the “proxy war involving India and the Kuki Zo in Manipur”.
TFM Desk
On the occasion of the 47th Foundation Day, the proscribed People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) has alleged that the the Government of India has been actively supporting the Kuki-Zo militants to confront “revolutionary forces” in WESEA (Western South East Asia) region.
“By bolstering the Kuki-Zo insurgents, India aims to weaken the revolutionary groups in WESEA, ultimately benefiting its military efforts. While the Meitei and Naga communities oppose India, the Kuki-Zo enjoys India’s patronage. To neutralize both sides, India has provided the Kuki-Zo militants with unconditional support, including increasing their numbers and supplying arms and ammunition”. This claim was made in a public message released by Aheiba Angom, Chairman, Interim Council, PREPAK.
On this occasion, the outfit has also honoured all the “brave comrades” who sacrificed for the “National Liberation Struggle to reclaim the Sovereignty of Kangleipak, unlawfully annexed” on October 15, 1949 in violation of international laws. The party also expressed its solidarity with the “oppressed indigenous peoples of Kangleipak, leaders and comrades of fraternal organizations, revolutionary movements in the WESEA region, and all the oppressed and colonized peoples around the world”. PREPAK also offered greetings to the “members of the print and electronic media, whose tireless efforts ensure constant vigilance over colonial conditions during critical times. We commend their commitment to honest, responsible, and impartial journalism, which serves as a cornerstone of a healthy society—one that upholds the safety, security, and prosperity of the spirited people of Kangleipak”.
In the annals of the millennia-old history of Kangleipak (Manipur), two national tragedies have profoundly impacted the region, with a third tragedy currently unfolding due to colonial politics, said the proscribed outfit. The first tragedy arose from the great betrayal by Kangleipak’s trusted ally, the mighty British Empire, following the Anglo-Manipur War in the 19th century, which marked the decline of Kangleipak’s sovereignty. The second tragedy occurred after Manipur gained independence from British rule on August 14, 1947. “Under the guise of freedom, the Indian Dominion dismantled Manipur’s sovereignty, forcibly annexing Manipur in 1949 through deceit and coercion”, added the outfit. The third tragedy is the ongoing struggle of the Kanglei people to reclaim their lost sovereignty, all while facing “oppressive policies”.
PREPAK also alleged that the army has “incited a proxy war through the Chin Kuki Zo Narco Terrorists, whose aim is to suppress the Kanglei resistance movement. In the name of law and order, they have escalated their attacks on the Meeteis, exploiting the situation to orchestrate land grabs and further entrenching Kangleipak in a state of deeper crisis”.
HISTORY INVOKED
“Despite the differences in time and the varying nature of Manipur’s occupation, the underlying dynamics of these events remain deeply interconnected. The first event, driven by the British imperialist ambition to expand and dominate foreign lands, witnessed the people of Manipur rising in defense of their country. They sacrificed their lives on the battlefield and at the gallows, enduring immense suffering in their pursuit of freedom. Secondly, through India’s covert agenda, Manipur was annexed without the political consent of its people, subjugating them under the dominion of a new imperialist force—India. Democracy was reduced to a mere facade, pushing the Kangleicha people into a struggle for survival amid false promises of freedom. Thirdly, under the ploy of a proxy war, Indian oppressive forces continue to exploit Manipur by fostering division and self-destruction among its diverse communities, all with the aim of prolonging India’s occupation and colonial control over Kangleipak”, alleged PREPAK.
The outfit said that Manipur’s forced merger with India remains a “deeply painful chapter” in the history of its people. During a people’s convention in 1993, it was made clear that the “1949 Merger Agreement with India was a blatant violation of international law” said PREPAK adding that the democratic election held in 1948 was ignored, “the legitimate king of the land was forcefully detained, political representatives were sidelined, and through deceit and coercion, the annexation of Manipur was carried out”. Even though India claimed that the merger was voluntary, the Manipur Assembly never ratified the agreement, alleged PREPAK.
PREPAK contended that according to Resolution No. 3314 adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on December 14, 1974, the use of armed force by one sovereign state against the political independence or territorial integrity of another sovereign state, or any action that undermines the political independence or territorial integrity of a state in violation of the UN Charter, is considered an act of aggression. “Therefore, the coercion exerted by the Indian Army over the King of Kangleipak on September 21, 1949, at Redlands in Shillong, forcing him to sign the so-called “Merger Agreement”, constitutes an act of aggression by India against Kangleipak”, claimed PREPAK.
The party also said that Section 9(b) of the Manipur State Constitution Act (MSCA) states that the Maharajah of Kangleipak shall be the Constitutional Head under the name of the Kanglei nation. According to Section 8(a), while the powers vested in the Maharajah do not allow for intervention in matters affecting the legitimate interests of Kangleipak, he is still required to act within the established conditions and cannot act arbitrarily. Section 10(a) stipulates that the executive powers of the Kanglei nation shall rest with the Council of Ministers. Additionally, Section 18 of this Act specifies that during times when important matters concerning the interests of Kangleipak and its people are discussed, the Kangleipak legislature shall convene, and after thorough deliberation, the legislature will provide advice to the Council of Ministers.
RECALLING MANIPUR’S UNITED FRONT
On November 1947 under the leadership of Hijam Irawat, an the MDU Hall of Imphal, the Tangkhul Long, Kuki National Assembly, Kabui Association, Khul Union, Mizo Union, Manipur Praja Sabha, Manipur Krishak Sabha, Meitei Marup, and Nongpok Apunba Marup convened to form the United Front of Kangleipak. The United Front was established with the aim of creating a responsible government for Kangleipak and demanding the preservation of its territorial integrity. In 1948, after no political party secured an absolute majority in the general election, a coalition government known as the Praja Shanti Sabha was established, comprising several MLAs from both the hills and the valley. The Praja Shanti Sabha strongly opposed the merger of Kangleipak with India, arguing that such an action would inevitably undermine Kangleipak’s sovereignty, said PREPAK.
In the editorial of the Bhagyabati Patrika dated September 21, 1949, it states, “The people of Kangleipak never want to be the subservient servants of another nation. The people of our nation could not tolerate subjugation under a foreign power. We seek self-rule.” PREPAK argued that this sentiment captured the ongoing struggle for Kangleipak’s identity. Following this, T.C. Tiankham, the Speaker of the Manipur Assembly, expressed his concerns in a letter to the Maharaja of Kangleipak through his Private Secretary. He urged that consultations with the Kangleipak Assembly take place before any agreements were finalized with the Governor of Assam. As the merger with India drew near, A. Daiho sent a telegram to the Governor-General of India, proclaiming Manipur’s independence. The anti-merger agitation intensified as the people of Kangleipak protested with Mao leading the movement and blockaded the Imphal-Dimapur road. In response, police confronted the protestors forcefully, resulting in one casualty due to police firing. Subsequently, A. Daiho was imprisoned for his prominent role in the movement, said the outfit.
PREPAK pointed out that in the aftermath, Yangmasho Shaiza, a Tangkhul leader from Ukhrul and a member of the Manipur Nationalist Party, was also arrested for demanding the revocation of the merger agreement and the restoration of Kangleipak’s sovereignty. “The rich history of Kangleipak spans a long period as a unified region of hills and valleys, resiliently resisting all adversaries and maintaining its status as an independent sovereign kingdom until 1891, when the British colonised all princely states in India” said PREPAK. This event marked the onset of 56 years of British colonial rule, during which Kangleipak’s identity faced significant challenges and threats. The struggle to reclaim and solidify Kangleipak’s identity continues, reflecting the aspirations of its people. The legacy of colonialism remains a painful chapter in Kangleipak’s history, and the demand for recognition and self-determination resonates strongly among its population as they pursue their cultural and political rights, added the outfit.
STRATEGIC SUPPORT TO CHIN-KUKI-ZO ARMED GROUPS
PREPAK pointed out that after the annexation of Manipur in 1949, the region experienced the height of “colonial oppression, resulting in the degradation of its culture, economy, and other facets of life”. This fostered mistrust and discord among the communities of Kangleipak, gradually weakening their unity. Exploiting this instability, a “deliberate strategy” was implemented to further divide the people and prevent peaceful coexistence. “As part of this plan, the Chin-Kuki-Zo communities were strategically supported, receiving logistical backing to wage a proxy war against our people’s resistance movement, as India could not openly confront the Manipur revolutionary forces”, claimed PREPAK. The party alleged that this campaign began in 1992 with operations led by the Assam Rifles, causing widespread unrest. The conflict escalated sharply in 2005 and again in 2008.
PREPAK also claimed that the centre has been actively supporting the Kuki-Zo militants to confront the revolutionary forces in the WESEA (Western South East Asia) region. “By bolstering the Kuki-Zo insurgents, India aims to weaken the revolutionary groups in WESEA, ultimately benefiting its military efforts. While the Meitei and Naga communities oppose India, the Kuki-Zo enjoys India’s patronage. To neutralize both sides, India has provided the Kuki-Zo militants with unconditional support, including increasing their numbers and supplying arms and ammunition. Fearing international criticism for human rights violations and breaches of international law in a direct confrontation, India has discreetly engaged in a proxy war using the Kuki-Zo mercenaries. By framing this conflict as an ethnic struggle and racial discrimination, India diverts attention from its internal security operations and obscures the true nature of the proxy war”, claimed PREPAK. This situation mirrors the tale of the monkey and the two fighting cats, where the mediator reaps all the benefits while the rivals exhaust themselves, said PREPAK.
The party pointed out that the ongoing crisis in Manipur has reached unprecedented levels, and “the reality of external aggression is now widely acknowledged. Under Article 355 of the Indian Constitution, it is the central government’s responsibility to protect any Indian state from external aggression or internal disturbance. Despite this provision, the central government has yet to take decisive action to address the crisis. As a result of this delay, citizens have been compelled to step into the role of Khun Ngakpa (Village Volunteers), risking their lives in accordance with the Constitution’s Fundamental Duties to protect the state from Kuki-Zo militants who are threatening the lives, property, and dignity of the people. However, while these Khun Ngakpas, who are making immense sacrifices for the safety of their communities, are being indiscriminately arrested and jailed, the Kuki-Zo militants, who blatantly violate the laws of the land, are being set free without consequence, claimed PREPAK.
PREPAK said that recently, in Kwakta, three civilians were beheaded in their sleep, and later in September, another civilian was shot dead while asleep in his home in Jiribam by Kuki-Zo militants. In Imphal West, a young married woman was killed in Koutruk due to drone bombings and sniper fire. Additionally, in Moirang, a civilian lost their life to a long-range rocket/missile attack from approximately 7 km away and alleged that these have been “perpetrated by Kuki-Zo militants”. These acts violate the International Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings, adopted in 1997 and ratified by India on September 22, 1999. They also fall under Section 15 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), invoking serious legal consequences, pointed out the outfit. It further added that according to the SAARC Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism (1987) and the SAARC Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism Act (1997) enacted by India, the Kuki-Zo militant groups allegedly responsible for these terrorist acts may be designated as “terrorist organizations, leading to a prohibition of all their activities”.
“The political armed opposition groups, which are fighting for the restoration of Manipur’s lost sovereignty, adhere to the Geneva Conventions, International Humanitarian Law, and International Human Rights Law. Despite this, India periodically labels these groups as outlawed and terrorist organizations. In contrast, the Chin-Kuki-Zo militant groups involved in such activities are not designated as terrorists or outlawed by India, allowing them to operate with impunity, protected by a Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement”, said PREPAK.
HYBRID WARFARE AGAINST POLITICAL OPPOSITION
The issue of Kangleipak (Manipur) is currently under the purview of the Supreme Court of India, which may invoke Article 142 of the Constitution to take up a suo moto case regarding the situation and advise the Government of India. However, this action has not yet been taken. PREPAK alleged that in the case of Kangleipak, “the apex court has become a colonial institution rather than delivering justice, resulting in a complete failure of the judiciary”. The party further added that Kuki Zo militant groups should not be classified as insurgents. “Their approach mirrors that of the Indian armed forces, engaging in hybrid warfare against the political and military opposition in Kangleipak. Both the Indian army and Kuki Zo militants share identical political and military objectives regarding the Kangleipak people. Together, they launch lethal attacks on unarmed civilians, whether in organized groups or from a distance”, claimed PREPAK. The actions of “Kuki terrorists” violate Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life for citizens who face constant threats of hostage-taking, said the outfit. By failing to protect civilians, “Indian leaders and their Kuki Zo militant counterparts may one day face prosecution at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for breaches of International Criminal Law. “The actions of the Kuki terrorists are subject to scrutiny under International Criminal Law, and the potential for prosecution by the ICC is based on established principles from previous cases. The situation in Kangleipak has drawn parallels to prior conflicts in Yugoslavia and Rwanda, raising the possibility of establishing an international tribunal to address war crimes in Manipur, pointed out PREPAK. “The people of Kangleipak may now look to the United Nations and the ICC prosecutor to advocate for the establishment of an International Criminal Tribunal to hold accountable those responsible for war crimes in Manipur”, added the outfit.
PREPAK also accused the centre of embroiling in “a proxy war”, with increasing calls for assistance as Prime Minister Narendra Modi faces criticism for neglecting Manipur while addressing the ongoing crises in Ukraine and Gaza. As Modi assesses the situation between Russia and Ukraine and voices concerns about halting the conflict, the plight of Kangleipak appears to be overlooked amid these global challenges. The consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war are being felt in Kangleipak, leading to rising tensions and raising the question of why Modi has not visited Manipur to address the ongoing 16-month crisis, said PREPAK. It also asked how can India, while asserting itself as a champion of human rights, navigate its position in the UN Security Council alongside Germany, Japan, Brazil, and other African nations advocating for permanent membership?
GEOPOLITICAL LANDSCAPE
PREPAK said that the geopolitical landscape in Kangleipak is increasingly shaped by the overlapping interests of India and China, particularly against the backdrop of the “proxy war involving India and the Kuki Zo in Manipur”. The Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a focal point of strategic interest. Within this context, the US, Japan, Australia, and India have united in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) to counter China’s supremacy and claims to 90% of the South China Sea. By bypassing the Malacca Strait, China’s efforts to establish a land route to the Indian Ocean present strategic challenges to both the US and India. The US is eyeing the possibility of establishing an airbase in this region, which could alert both China and India. “This scenario may become more viable if the Kuki-Chin-Zo peoples realise their aspiration for Zalen’gam, a Christian state that could facilitate a permanent US airbase between India and China, thereby influencing the balance of power in the region. China’s growing influence in Myanmar has drawn the attention of the US, which also has strategic interests in the region. Several key factors are in play. The western part of Myanmar, bordering Bangladesh and India, has become crucial for China as it seeks to establish a permanent sphere of influence. China has bolstered ties with Myanmar’s military government, the junta, and various influential armed political groups, positioning itself as a dominant player in the country’s political landscape”, said PREPAK.
For India, balancing US interests while countering China’s expanding influence presents a significant challenge in this complex regional dynamic. In Myanmar’s Chin State, as well as in Rakhine State and the Sagaing Division, there are 60 subtribes of the Chin people. Their communities extend not only into Arunachal Pradesh but also across India’s entire northeastern region. Beyond India, these tribes inhabit the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh as well. India has strategic reasons to work closely with these tribes, claimed PREPAK. The outfit alleged that that India consistently relies on the Chin people in Myanmar to counter the pressure from northeastern armed opposition groups that refuse to engage in negotiations. “Furthermore, India has made efforts to strengthen ties with Chin insurgents and to launch joint military campaigns against these northeastern groups. While India is pushing hard to bring these groups to the negotiating table, it is simultaneously working to contain and neutralize them”, further claimed PREPAK.
GOVERNMENT-SPONSORED ORGANIZATIONS
“While paying lip service to peace, Kangleipak has seen the rise of government-sponsored organizations that now intimidate the public whenever discussions of peace between the Kuki Zo and Meitei communities arise. It is becoming increasingly clear that this war-like situation is a deliberate creation of the government, escalating into sporadic armed campaigns that appear destined to continue until the Kangleicha people face complete destruction”, said PREPAK.
The outfit further said that with the conflict dragging on for nearly two years since May 3, 2023, it raises an important question: what is the point of India sending peace keeping forces to other global conflict zones while allowing Kangleipak to burn? If the Indian government cannot manage the situation in Kangleipak, it should consider recalling its peacekeepers from abroad and abandon its aspirations of becoming a permanent member of the UN Security Council, said PREPAK. In such circumstances, the international community should reconsider its support for India. The ongoing struggle of the people of Kangleipak (Manipur) surpasses the battles of the past. “While earlier wars were fought against visible enemies, the current conflict is far more intricate, involving covert operations and proxy wars, often fueled by external interests. This makes the struggle multifaceted, both on external and internal fronts. We are not merely surviving—we are resolutely fighting with determination, asserted PREPAK stating that it firmly believes that the fight is “fundamentally against India, whose colonial oppression is at the root of our suffering. The only path to freedom from this subjugation is to unite in a collective struggle to liberate Kangleipak”, said PREPAK.
PREPAK also offered condolences to the victims of the “recent aggression by Kuki Narco Terrorists” and mourned for those who were killed in captivity, leaving no trace of their remains. It extended solidarity to all the Khun Ngakpas (Village Volunteers) and to those who have suffered due to the IOF’s use of tear gas, pellet guns, and mob bombs, including those enduring distress and hardship. “Our thoughts are especially with the families of the victims—mothers and sisters—who are left without support, particularly those in relief camps facing severe challenges after their homes have been completely burned down. It is imperative that this situation is addressed urgently, with decisive actions taken against these terrorists while ensuring that necessary aid and support are provided to the affected families”, said PREPAK.