SOREPA boycott of Indian Independence Day, calls General Strike on August 15

The Socialist Revolutionary Party (SOREPA), Kangleipak, has declared a boycott of India’s Independence Day on August 15, 2024, and announced a general strike from 5 AM to 5 PM on the same day. M.C. Yaiphabi, Secretary of Publicity & Organization for SOREPA, stated that the group supports similar actions by other freedom groups in the Western Southeast Asia (WESEA) region.
Yaiphabi described Indian Independence Day as a day of sorrow for Kangleipak (Manipur), representing ongoing oppression by India. He contrasted the global celebrations of this day, observed in countries like the USA, Russia, and China, with the struggles of WESEA’s indigenous people, who continue to fight for their independence and identity.

Exposing India’s “Divide and Rule” policy, Yaiphabi accused the government of deliberately dividing the WESEA population, exploiting its rich natural resources, and marginalizing its indigenous Mongoloid communities. He referenced the historical annexation of Kangleipak by the British in 1891 and later by India in 1949, arguing that these actions have led to the continued exploitation of the Kanglei people.
Highlighting economic concerns, Yaiphabi pointed to the Loktak Hydro Electric Project as an example of India’s exploitation, claiming it has devastated local livelihoods by flooding fertile lands and displacing thousands.
The statement urged a united resistance against Indian domination, calling on all rebel groups and the people of WESEA to intensify their struggle for independence. Yaiphabi asserted that the region would never accept Indian rule and concluded with a rallying cry for revolution, independence, and the long-term survival of their people.