In a statement issued by the UNLF Military Affairs Committee (MAC), on behalf of the Party and MPA, the outfit termed the day as an occasion of introspection and rededication and extended the heartiest greetings with revolutionary salute to all compatriots.
TFM Desk
The proscribed United National Liberation Front, (UNLF) Manipur celebrated the 35th Anniversary of its armed wing Manipur People’s Army (MPA) on Wednesday.
In a statement issued by the UNLF Military Affairs Committee (MAC), on behalf of the Party and MPA, the outfit termed the day as an occasion of introspection and rededication and extended the heartiest greetings with revolutionary salute to all compatriots.
Reminiscing about its journey and moments that have instilled the inner strength of the MPA, the outfit stated that the reorganisation of MPA began 35 years ago at a place called Tonyu on a chilly mountain height in Eastern Naga areas controlled by the NSCN.
The effort to ease the tight condition full of shortcomings was a struggle in itself. Limitation of fund, shortage of ration, inadequate clothing in the chilly weather throughout the year compelling to spend the night near the fireplace, surviving on half ration of dried and-boiled Tapioca (U-Mangra) and, above all, conducting Basic Military Training (BMT) without any help and assistance from others. There was also the problem of arms to equip the MPA after BMT, it added.
However, the statement further said, these difficulties became the source of the firm determination that tempered the MPA to fight the Indian Occupation Forces at all costs in order to regain our sovereignty and independence.
Offering revolutionary salute to all the retired, departed and existing Party leaders, MPA Commanders, Training Instructors and all those who underwent BMT for their invaluable contribution during those difficult times, it said UNLF MAC and MPA cannot but mention the name of MPA’s first Army Commander for his invaluable role in the initial period of MPA’s history. “Today, we also offer our revolutionary salute to the first Chief of Army Staff, late Brig. A Wangpa @ Tomba who provided correct leadership in building the MPA as a formidable fighting force,” said the statement.
The outfit further said the MPA trained and tempered under the guidance and supervision of UNLF MAC carried out its first action on 26 December 1990 on a CRPF convoy of the Indian Occupation Forces (IOF). The MPA captured five assorted arms from the successful ambush laid at Lamdan on the Laimaton mountain range, it added.
Thereafter, the MPA engaged the IOF in several ambushes and encounters, big and small, displaying the grit and sacrifice of the MPA for the cause of our national liberation struggle, it asserted.
The outfit also said that the UNLF/MPA, besides fighting against the IOF, also engaged in social works in remote areas of the hills and the valley by providing medical facilities (hitherto non-existent) and essential food grains during lean season. This is still fresh in the memories of the local people. For the MPA, it was performing the task assigned by the Party, that is to fight against the IOF for national liberation and also to protect the life and properties of the people and engage in public welfare works, it added.
Stating that the MPA always remain prepared to perform its task in the national liberation struggle, it maintained that the UNLF MAC/MPA is acutely aware that the road ahead is going to be rough and tough because of the changed conditions of Manipur and the trying situation confronting their liberation struggle. “But we are confident that with the love and support of our people we will overcome all the difficulties, come what may,” it said.
On the occasion of the 35th Anniversary of the MPA, UNLF MAC/MPA extended greetings with revolutionary salute to all the leaders, officers and fighters of the fraternal Armies of CorCom. They also extended their revolutionary greetings and salute to the Leaders, officers and the armies of other fraternal parties of Manipur.
Calling for unity of WESEA, UNLF MAC/MPA offered revolutionary salute to all the leaders, officers and fighters of the armies of NSCN and ULFA.
In conclusion, the outfit also offered homage and revolutionary salute to all the martyrs of MPA and reaffirmed its commitment to stand in solidarity with the bereaved families.
“The MPA is eternally inspired by the immortal legacy of their revolutionary patriotism and supreme sacrifice. We also stand in salute to all our comrades who were wounded in engagements with the IOF and became disabled. They are the living example of sacrifice for the cause of our national liberation struggle,” said the statement.