IT News
Imphal, May 18:
The Pambei-led UNLF commemorated Katthokkraba Singgi Ningsing Numit today, honoring those who have fallen in service to the party’s ideals of sacrifice. In a statement released on the occasion, it is said: “Many leaders, cadres, and soldiers have similarly sacrificed their lives.” It mentions the martyrdom of Itao Arambam Inungnganba @Kesho of Kwakeithel Soibam Leikai, saying that he “exemplified the dedication to the cause of the party by single-handedly facing a large security force for hours after neutralizing a police commando and seizing his AK-47, fully aware of the inevitable sacrifice of his life. With his blood, he inscribed, ‘Long Live UNLF, Victory to MPA,’ before he died.”
In the commemoration event, many intellectuals and civil society leaders participated. Moirangthem Nongyai, Acting Chairman of Pambei-led UNLF, Khaidem Mani, President of Taragi Chiesu, and Potshangbam Sonamani, Vice President of Taragi Chiesu, addressed the gathering.
Potsangbam Sonamani said, “The ceasefire between NSCN-IM and the Government of India should be imitated. We need peace. But bringing peace is difficult. Now, there are many who call themselves patriots, but it is difficult to figure out who is who. These people, who come out and are willing to talk to the central government, are commendable.” He also emphasized that we should not split into more groups because leaders want to become chairman.
Khaidem Mani stated, “Earlier, we were asking for peace and reconciliation and to initiate dialogue with all the groups, Meira Paibis, organizations, and underground (UG) groups, but they did not do it. We did not ask for a dialogue but we asked for a political settlement. But now, it seems to be materializing. I have asked Thanil that they should not surrender and they should not sign something like SoO. Since the center seems agreeable according to Thanil, I thought the opportunity should be taken.”
According to Khaidem Mani, “in the press, it was reported that they have surrendered, but Nongyai clarified much later that we have not surrendered. We will not compromise sovereignty. It made me really happy.
The peace process will require a lot of steps, including dialogue and changing clauses in the constitution, and so on. What is happening now is a ceasefire according to the agreement.”
Nongyai, Acting Chairman of Pambei led UNLF, stated that “India is a strong country, so the question comes: can we militarily defeat India? Since it is not possible to defeat India militarily, we should ask them for the rights we deserve. We have to ask them for political rights if we have to live with them. That is why NSCN is asking for shared sovereignty, which is an articulation of internal sovereignty. So, we can explore this issue as a new strategy. We have not surrendered. We are still holding arms, and if India betrays us, we might have to go back and fight.”
Speaking to the press, Pambei-led UNLF clarified that regarding the peace process, “the dialogue has not started. We are trying to write a white paper. It will take some years. We are not formally engaged in the dialogue. We will not start dealing with bureaucratic levels. They did that thing in the merger of Manipur. We will not repeat that.”
