IMPHAL, February 8: On the occasion, of the 26th Foundation Day of the Manipur People`s Army (MPA) which is the armed unit of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), the Military Affairs Committee (MAC) has extended its greetings to the people of Manipur. In a statement made available to the media, it said that the support of the people have given the will and strength to fight against `Indian occupation forces` It further said that the MPA has continued to keep up with its armed movement to remove the presence of the `occupation forces` from the state and that it stands firm on its demand and commitment for a self reliant and independent nation. Saying that there was a constant need to engage in the fight with the occupation forces, the release said that the MPA would need to prepare for the battles ahead. It affirmed that the fate of the land and its people depends on the will of the public and said that the UNLF believes in the backing of the public. Reiterating that the support of the people was the main asset of the party, the statement stressed on unity amongst different revolutionary groups being a critical element and that it was imperative that such groups work for the welfare of the people.
Saying that the nature of its existence and its activities were a response to the tactics being used by the Indian forces, the statement has also said that the party would focus on its future action against them. Citing earlier instances of the action being taken by the group, it claimed responsibility for the attacks on the CRPF at Aishi Khul, on 28 AR C Coy at Keishampat traffic point, on the AR near Moreh police station at Kwatha Khunou Lamkhai, on the patrolling AR along Konthoujam and the attack on the bullet proof 407 mini truck of the 143 CRPF at Porompat DC Road. The press statement also sought forgiveness for the December 28 incident in which two civilians were fired upon at Konkan Khul and expressed its regret over the deaths. It also expressed its respect for the souls of its cadres who had given up their lives.