A Message Given to the People of Manipur on “Independence Demand Day” Marking the 45th Anniversary of Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF)by Acting President MM Ngouba 25th February 2024

First and foremost, I offer my revolutionary salute to the martyrs who valiantly sacrificed their lives in the fight for the liberation of our nation and our people. I also salute and honour the brave sons and daughters of Manipur who made the ultimate sacrifice in the struggle to protect our motherland and its people. The Indian government possesses all the tools and resources necessary to halt this crisis. However, rather than preventing its escalation, it seems as though they are waiting for a specific community’s death toll to rise before taking action, leading to questions about why they are aligning themselves with one community over another. Why are Indian forces safeguarding Kuki armed militants as if they must be shielded from harm at any cost, while their treatment of civilians in the valley suggests a preference to reduce the valley’s population as if they are waiting for it to happen? In connection to these questions, they continue to persistently conceal the fundamental motivations behind their act. Amidst this protracted war against the people of Manipur, it has served as a wake-up call for our people, even though they failed to recognize India’s true intentions sooner.

Numerous events linked to the concealed agenda and the enemy’s attempts to portray it have provided clarity to us when assessing what the hidden agenda entails. Scientists did not become aware of the existence of black holes by directly entering them but rather through the ongoing accumulation of evidence and observations of phenomena associated with black holes over time, leading to their recognition. As an illustration, the observation of stars orbiting around a black hole led to the understanding that black holes exert gravitational forces in their vicinity. Today, people have grasped the true motives behind the Indian government’s desires, as the cries and sufferings of innocent civilians, including women and children who have been maimed or lost their lives, remain without a solution. At first glance, it appears that there is either no policy or perhaps an incorrect one. However, through this extended conflict, it becomes apparent that even if there is a flaw in the policy and there is a call to rectify the injustices, these authorities are unable to implement necessary corrections when prompted. Truly speaking, all these circumstances stem from decisions or positions preconceived by India, allowing them to persist as long as they do not jeopardize India’s interests. The people of Manipur have come to recognize that these are integral components of India’s program and policies aligned with their national interests. As a nation, it is reasonable to have its national interests, and there is a necessity 1for it. To fulfil the objectives of national interests, various policies are formulated, employing multiple strategies and tactics. Given that these are the national interests of a country, all the necessary measures are taken up to advance them. Often, national interests are not limited to just one, as there may be openly declared interests as well as undisclosed or confidential interests that must not be revealed under any circumstances.

Certain interests cannot be publicly disclosed or leaked, and investigating them would be a monumental task. If such secrets happen to be classified as state secrets, individuals attempting to inquire or expose them may be labelled as “Traitors” and could face prosecution for multiple offences, leading to lengthy imprisonment (this is considered a lenient punishment), capital punishment, or even disappearance without a trace. Some of the primary reasons for conflicts between nations arise from the pursuit of their national interests, driven by the goal of safeguarding their citizens, preserving socio-cultural values, and ensuring the integrity of their territorial borders against encroachment. The crucial aspect to consider is the basis of these national interests and the ideas they stem from. Should these ideas become distorted or have ultra-nationalistic content, a myriad of issues and challenges may arise resulting in escalation of violence both domestically and internationally. Moreover, such circumstances could potentially trigger a wider war in the future. Unfortunately, India is grappling with a widespread mindset influenced by the virus of Hindu ultra-nationalism, which has turned each of India’s interests into a harmful ailment. With this mindset, certain foreseeable consequences arise, and understanding these outcomes collectively could aid in assessing both the current and prospects of the fate of Manipur. Initially, the manifestations of India’s ultra-nationalism may appear to foster unity among its citizens and cultivate a sense of solidarity. However, over time, the Indian government may adopt increasingly extreme measures. There will be little distinction between the government and the ruling party, with both entities exerting control over news and media channels. Consequently, there may be a surge in efforts to suppress activities and voices critical of the government. Amid such engagements, the democratic institutions within the country may become hollow, while there will be a concentration of power in the hands of a select few individuals, such activities may accumulate over time.

They will attempt to impose their dominant cultural narrative forcefully and aim to wipe out individuals of different races and non-Hindu ethnicities, which will inevitably lead to internal riots and escalation of violence. India’s foreign policy will gradually become aggressive. The neighbouring countries detest India and the frequent tensions and clashes are primarily due to India’s aggressive foreign policy. Diplomatic tensions will rise between India and its allied nations, accompanied by an increased imposition of economic sanctions on unfriendly countries, this trajectory could ultimately result in India losing its influence on the international stage, reaching a point where it is banished by the global community.

India is currently experiencing the events mentioned above. Among India’s diseased national interests, the most perilous one is the interest that it must fight China and it has contributed to the ongoing crisis in Manipur. Whether they 2perceived Manipur as potentially aligning with China or foresee unfavourable outcomes if China intervenes, there remains a compelling need for them to dismantle the revolutionary groups in Manipur and WESEA region, reducing their strength as much as possible, and also inciting the people of these regions to stand against China. India considers that if they do not take these actions, from the perspective of Indian forces, the current challenges of facing two and a half fronts will eventually transform into a significant three-front challenge, which will require excessive efforts to address later on. Another national interest of India is the requirement to intervene in Myanmar as a strategic measure against China.

Moreover, assistance from Myanmar is required to counter the revolutionary groups of Manipur, Assam and Nagaland, hence a specific policy towards Myanmar also needs to be implemented. Utilizing the Kukis under Suspension of Operation (SoO) as a weapon, initiating widespread poppy plantations in the hill areas, and inducting illegal immigrants into Manipur are all tactics employed by India in its effort to counter China. India aims to exploit Myanmar as a bridge in this endeavour, and these activities constitute a hybrid warfare program specially tailored for Myanmar and Manipur. India consistently provides military assistance and financial aid to the Myanmar Army. Conversely, India also supports rebels in regions along the Myanmar-China border and those with the potential to disrupt China’s interests. The Chin-Kuki population residing in the border areas of Manipur and Myanmar became a convenient tool for India when seeking ways to combat the revolutionary groups in Manipur and to exert pressure on Myanmar. On the flip side, all these actions serve as an open challenge to showcase India’s stance and willingness to implement diverse measures on Myanmar Honoring Manipur’s history, its socio-cultural diversity, communities, ethnicities, and the lives and property of its people are not a part of India’s national interests. Furthermore, India’s stance on the border of Manipur is not merely a lack of respect, but rather an act of dishonour. In other regions along India’s borders, it has proclaimed that not a single inch of its land can be violated, and any incursion is considered an act of aggression, leading to past conflicts and wars fought by India to defend its borders. If it is connected to border issues, India has even intervened in the border issues of neighbouring countries like Bhutan, citing threats to India’s national interest. While a significant portion of Manipur’s border also forms part of India’s international border, India shows no intention of respecting its sanctity simply because it is within Manipur’s territory. It is an undeniable fact that Manipur and its people have become victims of India’s national interests. The people of Manipur affected by India’s national interests may not feel the need to pray or plead to a deity for India to be punished or to receive retribution. India is hurtling along a path of destruction on its own accord. Unless it ceases to proceed along this course, it will inevitably face a dismal future, brought about by internal 3conflicts and tensions with its neighbors. India’s unyielding national interest to confront China, along with the consequent national policies affecting the so-called “North East” and beyond, will progressively become more dysfunctional with each passing day.

One of the major factors is that China’s national power will not remain confined to a certain stage or restricted within a limit. China’s national power will persistently increase across all domains, including military when compared to that of India. Another factor is the integration of militarism and expansionist ideology within India’s ultra-nationalism, which will escalate into violent tensions with neighbouring countries, potentially resulting in border conflicts. India’s aggressive stance may escalate these situations into military confrontations, potentially leading to large-scale warfare and wider regional instability. An illustrative example of this dysfunctionality is India’s shift from the “Look East Policy” to the “Act East Policy” which resulted from the disparity between India’s interests, objectives, and the prevailing situation.

The underlying theme of the “Act East Policy” is to push India’s ‘soft power’. The debacle unfolding in Manipur and its border, which serves as a gateway to the Act East Policy, has exposed the true nature of India’s national interests. Under the patronage of the US, India is seeking to enhance defence ties with Vietnam, South Korea, the Philippines, Japan, and Australia, while also participating in military readiness programs with these countries. Moreover, India is also attempting to involve itself in the situation in Taiwan, which is an integral part of China. Due to its national interests, India’s “Look East Policy” has evolved into the “Act East Policy,” and given the nature and pace of this transformation, it is likely to soon become the “Fight East Policy.” This arrogant and diseased national interest of India is leading it towards a fiery pit, akin to a moth drawn to a flame. The current crisis and the hardships endured by our people serve as a stark reminder of “the Seven Years’ Devastation” and “the First Anglo-Burmese War”. “The Seven Years’ Devastation,” a well-known event in our region’s history, occurred during a specific historical period that is familiar to everyone. Reflecting on the incidents from 200 years ago through the perspective of the present situation and circumstances, we may gain valuable insights that can be applied to the current context, resulting in beneficial outcomes. During that era, the Burmese were already a formidable power in Asia, with a population 40 times larger than that of the Meiteis, along with a landmass and military strength several times greater than that of Manipur.

However, the Burmese failed to realize that a greater adversary was lurking nearby, ready to exploit any weaknesses. Their focus on battling a significantly lesser foe resulted in a gradual decline in the quality of their combat and strategic approaches. Gambhir Singh Maharaj sought assistance from the British to combat the Burmese, and the British readily seized the opportunity. Manipur was one of the major contributors that led to the First Anglo-Burmese War, which commenced in 1824. Following the war, Manipur regained its independence. After the subsequent Second and Third Anglo-Burmese Wars, Burma lost its sovereignty entirely. The correct strategic positioning, effective implementation of alliance strategies, and adept utilization of weapons and military tactics (such as ‘arambai’ and ‘huiyen lallong’) by the King of Manipur and 4its armies played a pivotal role in the victory of Manipur over the Burmese army.

The indomitable fighting spirit, unwavering perseverance, skillfulness, unity and courage are among the invaluable traits that are passed down to us by our forefathers through their struggle to liberate themselves from the oppressors. It is clear that silently enduring the burden or regretting alone will lead to the deterioration of our society and nation. Waiting for mercy from the colonial rulers will inevitably result in the shrinking further of our land that was inherited from our forefathers and it will bring about the end of all ethnicities through violence, the extinction of indigenous peoples, and the ruination of our nation and society. We can only protect and defend what rightfully belongs to us when we are an independent nation. Now is not the time for hesitation or regret; it is a time for us to take up every available means and march in unison to break free from this chain of slavery. The Revolutionary People’s Front, RPF once again calls upon every individual to join in this struggle for the liberation of Manipur.