RPF Acting President MM Ngouba’s Message to the People on the 45th Raising Day of the People’s Liberation Army

On this auspicious day I offer revolutionary salute to all those heroes who have sacrificed in the
course of the movement for the national liberation of our motherland Manipur and the people.
Today, on the 25th of September 2023, as we commemorate the 45th anniversary of the
establishment of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), I extend my respects to all the
revolutionary organizations and the people of Manipur and WESEA and convey this anniversary
message to you all.
In history, there arises inevitable certain moments that remains indelible and is etched into the
collective memory for generations to come. The current events unfolding in our motherland
today will undoubtedly be recorded in the annals of history.
The actions of the Kuki armed groups involving attacks, killings, atrocities and heinous crimes
against the civilians were not limited to short period, rather, they were premeditated and
organized over an extended time, a fact they have acknowledged. These reprehensible activities
have been ongoing for an extended duration making it increasingly difficult for them to conceal
their true intentions, supported by a wealth of evidence.
The campaign carried out in Manipur by the Kuki armed groups operating under Suspension of
Operations (SoO) is clearly a campaign of terror. The persistence of their ongoing activities,
which have remained unchecked and unprohibited thus far, can be attributed to the fact that they
have received patronage, protection, shelter, financial support, and political backing, including
propaganda assistance, from a godfather. It is incumbent upon all us to jointly uncover the roles
played by this godfather, confront their deplorable actions with determination and ensure that
they face the consequences for their crimes.
The definition of the term ‘Terrorism’ is complicated and controversial. Generally, terror refers
to an intense and overwhelming feeling of fear and dread characterised by a sense of imminent
danger or impending harm. These circumstances can arise from various factors. Terror in the
term terrorism represents the impact of deliberate use of heinous activities to achieve specific
goals, causing extreme fear and profound psychological distress. Terror in the word terrorism is
not accidental or unintended consequence, it is deliberate and intentional action. Terror serves as
a crucial strategy in the execution of acts of terrorism. The primary objective of terrorism is to
induce an overwhelming state of fear within a specific group of individuals, unarmed civilians,
or symbolic targets through deliberate acts of violence or threats of violence. Terrorism
invariably includes political, ideological, social or religious objectives, leaving no room for
doubt and employs terror as means to either compel the government or the population to concede
or to forcibly impose their goals. At times, terror is employed as a tactic to incite a retaliatory or
responsive action from the targeted group.There is no doubt or dispute that the campaign undertaken by the Kuki armed groups in Manipur
qualifies as terrorism. In our land there is a proverb, ‘if the dog is mad find the owner’. With the
Kuki armed groups receiving patronage, protection, and assistance, and being permitted to carry
out a campaign of terror within a legal framework, the involvement of the Indian government
and its Mayang security forces makes it evident that India is conducting a campaign of State-
sponsored terrorism in Manipur.
India cannot evade the repercussions of engaging State-sponsored terrorism in Manipur, for,
India as a nation have signed numerous international agreements aimed at combating terrorism.
Moreover, India’s involvement in State-sponsored terrorism in Manipur does not merely impact
Manipur alone but also has far-reaching consequences for regional and global stability. India,
like some other countries, is actively pursuing a permanent seat in the United Nations Security
Council as part of the ongoing reforms within the United Nations. It is a significant and crucial
endeavour, which is why the countries aspiring for these seats closely observe not only each
other but also the actions of other nations. The agreements signed by India under United Nations
to combat terrorism stand in stark contrast to the State-sponsored terrorism conducted in
Manipur by India. There is no doubt that the stakeholders invested in UN reform efforts are not
going to ignore the issue of State-sponsored terrorism conducted by India. Recent statements
made by certain UN experts concerning the Manipur issue, regardless of their accuracy, and
India’s response to them serve as an illustration of India being under scrutiny.
Now, a fundamental question arises: Does the government’s silence, despite being aware of the
campaign of terror against unarmed civilians by the armed groups operating under legal
agreements, not constitute a crime? Furthermore, if their inaction is indicative of consent, could
it not be construed as endorsing the actions of the terrorists and, in essence, as State-sponsored
terrorism? The fear instigated upon the people, along with the escalating impact of terror,
signifies the attainment or successful achievement of terrorism’s objective. For this very reason,
laws at international level related to terrorism, including those under the UN, consider not only
‘action’ but also ‘inaction’ and ‘omissions’ as factors that can be subject to accountability. The
crucial aspect is that when a government is aware of a group’s terrorist activities, possesses the
capability to prevent or halt those activities, yet consciously refrains from taking action due to
political, strategic, or ideological motivations, it unequivocally holds accountability for
supporting or sponsoring terrorism, an irrefutable fact. In another scenario, a government’s
failure to uphold its commitments and agreement, combined with its lack of actions against a
group engaging in terrorist activities is considered an indirect support or sponsorship of
terrorism. This blurs the line between active involvement and complicity, but it holds significant
implications in the realms of international relations and legal accountability.
International law does not have specific article that directly addresses State-sponsored terrorism
however, several principles and treaties encompass aspects relevant to State-sponsored terrorism,
be it action or inaction of the government. The UN Charter prohibits the use of force in
International Relations except for cases of self-defense or when authorized by the UN Security
Council. India’s deployment of thousands of security forces and its allowance of the Kuki armed
groups which is operating under the agreement with the government, to engage in terrorism without any hindrance in Manipur have violated the UN Charter’s “Prohibition of use of force”.
The utilization of Indian security forces and the contracted forces in Manipur cannot be deemed
irrelevant to international relations. The status of Manipur is explicitly outlined in the Indian
Constitution, both before and after its inclusion in India, and is supported by agreements
(including forcible annexation) that provides comprehensive historical context. The contracted
forces used by India in sponsoring terrorism includes the armed groups from neighbouring
nations currently warring against their respective government, such as Kuki PDF as well as
individuals brought by them (Kuki inhabitants on either side of the Asian Highway from Tamu
to Khampat of Sagaing Division of Myanmar, were brought to Manipur by the Kuki PDFs,
which is in conflict with the Myanmar government). Not only in Manipur, but they also carry out
attacks on Myanmar Army and undertake various tasks assigned to them by the Indian Army.
India has also lodged frequent accusations against four neighbouring nations on the international
stage, alleging that they provide shelter, training, arms, and other forms of assistance to the
revolutionary groups of Manipur. The Indo-Manipur issue is consistently intertwined with
international relations.
India’s State-sponsored terrorism have flagrantly violated another convention of the United
Nations. It is no longer a secret that Kuki armed groups operating under the SoO agreement,
along with Kuki armed groups from neighboring nations, are involved in income generation
through poppy cultivation and drug trafficking. It is widely known that the self-proclaimed
Myanmar opposition group, the National Unity Government (NUG), has issued notifications to
Myanmar nationals and groups seeking refuge in India, urging them to refrain from engaging in
poppy cultivation, drug trafficking, and various illicit activities.
These illicit activities are conducted with the implicit cognizance of the Indian government and
Indian security forces, thereby breaching the United Nations’ “International Convention for the
Suppression of Financing of Terrorism”. There is an even more influential organization, closely
aligned with the UN convention, known as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). FATF is
global organisation that focuses on the financing of terrorism. India also actively participates in
FATF initiatives to strengthen global efforts against terrorist financing. This organization has
imposed several restrictions on Pakistan on charges of supporting and financing terrorism. The
extended restrictions enforced by FATF on Pakistan emerged as an important factor in
destabilizing the economy of Pakistan. The groups that signed agreements with the Indian
government are openly engaging in intimidation and extortion along the highways of Manipur.
These acts are carried out with the knowledge of the Indian government, despite fervent pleas by
the people of Manipur urging the government to intervene and curtail the groups’ activities, the
government has persistently turned a deaf ear to these pleas and feigned ignorance. In the context
of Manipur, India has infringed both the “International Convention for the Suppression of
Financing of Terrorism” and the regulations set forth by FATF. For this very reason, allowing
India to face consequences is warranted. Failing to take any measures in this regard would be a
grave mistake on our part.
The recent campaign of State-sponsored terrorism, characterized by India’s conspicuous silence,
has not only provoked resentment among the populace but has also violated another UN articles. The International Law Commission, operating under the auspices of the United Nations, has
developed the “Responsibilities of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts (Articles on State
Responsibility),” which delineate the principles governing state accountability for internationally
wrongful actions. If a government’s actions or omissions contribute to or support terrorism, it
could be held responsible under these principles. Despite the passage of weeks and months, the
Kuki armed groups continue to launch attacks on innocent civilians from areas protected by the
Indian armed forces. Alarmingly, not only have the Indian armed forces failed to intervene to
safeguard the civilians, they have also obstructed the attempts of these civilians to defend
themselves. The Indian armed forces have employed force, including physical assaults, dispersal
techniques, and firing upon unarmed crowds, and these outrageous actions have given the United
Nations a compelling reason to take action against India.
The United Nations Security Council has adopted numerous resolutions addressing State-
sponsored terrorism and outlining measures to combat it. Many significant and well-known
actions have been taken in accordance with these resolutions. India, like many other countries,
have signed many agreements to combat terrorism and its various manifestations, including
State-sponsored terrorism. By participating in numerous United Nations resolutions, India has
emphasized the significance of global cooperation in the fight against terrorism. India has also
been a member of international organizations such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
and the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), among others. India has also demonstrated its
willingness to cooperate by entering into bilateral and multilateral agreements that encompass
provisions for intelligence sharing, capacity building, extradition, and collaborative efforts in the
fight against terrorism. It is indeed surprising that India insists on its partners adhering to these
agreements while showing no intention of honouring them itself. While serving a two-year
sentence following their arrest by the Myanmar army, 22 revolutionary comrades, including 12
from Manipur and 10 from Assam, were granted clemency by the then President of Myanmar, U
Win Myint. They were subsequently handed over to India on May 15, 2020, in accordance with
India’s request. However, when Myanmar requested that India extradite the Kuki People’s
Democratic Front (PDF) members, including one fugitive from Myanmar who later assumed a
leadership role within a Kuki group that had signed the Suspension of Operation (SoO)
agreement with India, India did not comply. These events have raised questions about India’s
sincerity in its commitment to combat terrorism.
The State-sponsored terrorism in Manipur is bound to exert a significant and destructive
influence on various facets of society, international law, and the global economy. The enduring
social repercussions stemming from the loss of lives, displacement, and pervasive atmosphere of
fear are twofold. First, there will be a lasting social and cultural division, resulting in lingering
mistrust and discord among communities. Second, the individuals and communities affected will
continue to bear the weight of trauma and anxiety for a long time to come. India may not evade
the repercussions of transgressing the principles of International Law, including sovereignty,
peaceful relations, and non-interference in other states, as delineated by the United Nations,
alongside other legal frameworks such as the International Humanitarian Law, Rome Statute of
the International Criminal Court, and the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine of the United
Nations. There are also abundant instances of India causing harm to global economic
foundations. The acts of political and economic extortion carried out by armed groups in Manipur, operating with the support of the Indian government, along sections of the Asian
Highway that hold significant importance in the global economy, are undeniably harmful. In
addition to the territorial boundaries of Manipur, India has orchestrated extortion and blockades
along the section of the Asian Highway from Tamu to Khampat by leveraging Kuki armed
groups. State-sponsored terrorism by India along the Asian Highway section in Manipur and the
Sagaing Division has impeded the developmental objectives of the Asian region, and this
hindrance is likely to persist in the future. The proverbial cherry on top of the cake is the
endorsement of extortion by the Kuki armed groups at Moreh, a vital border trade port, by the
Assam Rifles. This not only constitutes an act of financing terrorism but also leads to significant
disruption in international trade and investment.
The State-sponsored terrorism conducted by India in Manipur can indeed serve as a textbook
example.
The period during which we have endured as an occupied nation is relatively brief when
considered within the context of Manipur’s long history. However, the way our people were
compelled to lead such a dismal life with fading hope during this brief period is undeniably
disheartening. It would not be incorrect to anticipate that India will inflict further pain and
suffering upon our people in the days ahead. The deliberate use of weapons against unarmed
women protesters by the Indian security forces serves as a clear and unambiguous response. All
Indian security forces, including the Assam Rifles, share identical objectives; it’s merely a
question of who will be the first to act.
Our teachers imparted the wisdom that preparation in times of peace can prevent the shedding of
much blood in times of war. It is said that one side in the current conflict has failed to make any
preparations. The statement does contain an element of truth, but the situation worsened due to
the influence of certain individuals who, as a result of the Indianization process, attempted to
undermine the forces that would be invaluable in the future. The adversary seized this
inopportune moment to launch an attack on the people.
In the current circumstances, retreat is not an option; our only recourse is to stand together, fight
as one, and advance steadfastly toward a victorious conclusion. The solution to the current
situation lies in the people’s ability to overcome and triumph over this sorrowful state, which will
ultimately pave the way for the foundation of a new Manipur.
The responsibility to safeguard our people and the motherland rests equally on each and every
one of us, and, if we fail to adequately prepare in line with that responsibility it would be akin to
betrayal. We are pleased to report the successful completion of the initial phase of skills training
provided to our people for self-defense, conducted by the cadres of RPF and the PLA.
Furthermore, we strongly encourage our people to seize this advantageous opportunity and
actively participate in the preparations, which will ultimately serve as our best defense against
any future malicious intentions of the enemy. We must improve our strategies and methods for
defense, which includes the development and production of weapons. Knowledgeable
individuals and technology professionals should take the initiative and lead in this field. We must
accurately interpret the significance of the phrase ‘unity is strength’. We should make every effort and utilize all available resources to strengthen our united struggle and empower the
people in fulfilling their responsibilities.
Now, we have come to the realization that there is no one to protect us. Let us march forward
together, bearing the spirit of responsibility, prepared to defend our people and our homeland.
This is right path, the path to victory.
Date: 2023-09-25.
Yours’
(MM Ngouba)
Acting President,
Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF).