Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: The outlawed United National Liberation Front (UNLF), Koireng group, observed ‘Martyrs’ Memorial Day’ on Monday (May 18, 2026), dedicating the occasion to fallen freedom fighters and supporters.
The Central Committee of the outfit paid homage to combatants who lost their lives while resisting adversary forces.
In a statement, Publicity Secretary M. Shak-Hen said that the legacy of these martyrs would continue to inspire living revolutionaries.
Condemning the Government of India’s stated goal of ending the liberation movement by 2029, the outfit urged the public to reject these announcements and resist Indian armed forces.
The UNLF further alleged that the armed aggression launched against the Meitei community in 2023 by the Kukis, which resulted in severe devastation and displacement,was a calculated precursor to altering the demographic and political balance.
According to the outfit, the Centre is preparing for an ultimate strike on two fronts, political and military.
On the political front, the outfit expressed concern over the granting of citizenship to Kuki and Zo immigrants, the adjustment of Meitei and Kuki/Zo MLA representation in the State Assembly, and the creation of separate territorial councils for the Kuki, Zo, and Naga populations.
Regarding the military front, the outfit also expressed concern over the deployment of large contingents of Army and CAPF personnel to suppress any mass protests against these territorial councils.
The UNLF vowed to face this challenge with its full strength and resources and appealed to the public to remain united and defeat the plan.
In Manipur, there are two UNLF factions,UNLF (Pambei) and UNLF (Koireng). The UNLF (P) is currently engaged in peace talks with the Centre and the state government. The UNLF-K is demanding the restoration of Manipur’s lost sovereignty.
Manipur merged with the Indian Union in 1949. The UNLF is the oldest valley-based armed separatist group in Manipur and was established on November 24, 1964.