The proscribed People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and its armed wing, the Red Army, have urged people in Manipur to observe November 12 as Athoubasinggi Ningsing Numit, or Martyrs’ Memorial Day, by avoiding entertainment programmes and lighting lamps in the evening.

In a statement, PREPAK’s publicity and propaganda representative, Leibaak Ngaakpa Luwang, said the annual observance commemorates those killed during what the organization describes as its struggle for Kangleipak’s liberation.

According to Northeast News Report, the date marks two major incidents in the outfit’s history. In 1978, PREPAK and People’s Liberation Army cadres were killed in a clash with joint security forces at Leimarok. The day also commemorates the killing of PREPAK leader Tulachandra at the Kabowakching sugar factory in 1985.

The outfit used the occasion to renew its opposition to New Delhi, alleging that Manipur lost its sovereignty following its annexation by India on October 15, 1949. It accused the Centre of repression, enforced disappearances, and exploiting ethnic divisions among the state’s Meitei, Kuki and Naga communities.

PREPAK also criticized local political leaders for what it called attempts to distort Manipur’s history and weaken collective resistance.

Rejecting the description of its movement as secessionist, the organization claimed it was fighting to restore Manipur’s lost sovereignty and establish Kangleipak as a progressive socialist nation.

BOB Post