Imphal: Manoharmayum Ngouba has been sworn in as the second President of the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) in Manipur, the political wing of the proscribed People’s Liberation Army (PLA), on February 20, 2026, according to a press release issued by the outfit’s Deputy Secretary of Publicity, Roben Khuman.
Ngouba, formerly the Vice President of the RPF, had served as Acting President since February 10, 2023, following the demise of the first President, Irengbam Chaoren. “With the assumption of the presidency, the RPF reaffirms its collective resolve to uphold its founding ideals and continue its commitment to the cause and aspirations of the people of Manipur and Western Southeast Asia (WESEA),” the release stated.
The RPF/PLA seeks the complete secession and independence of Manipur from India to establish a socialist state. Rejecting the 1949 merger of Manipur with India as invalid, the outfit fights against what it terms “colonial rule” by Indian “hegemonic” forces, aiming to restore sovereignty for all indigenous communities.
Meanwhile, police reported that security forces arrested two cadres of the RPF/PLA from different locations in an operation. The arrested individuals were:
- Thounaojam Prempatra Singh, alias Luwang or Prem (31), of Khurai Thangjam Leikai, arrested from Singjamei Chinga Makha under Singjamei Police Station, Imphal West district.
- Tharoijam Tony Singh (32) of Khurai Thoudam Leikai, arrested from the Porompat area, Imphal East district.
Seized items included one 9 mm pistol with a magazine, four 9 mm live rounds, a Honda Activa scooter, two mobile phones, a sling bag, and two wallets.