MM Ngouba, Acting President of Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) has accused the Government of India of having “hidden agenda” behind the crisis in the State and said that the only way “to protect and defend what rightfully belongs to us” is to become an independent nation. In his message to the people of Manipur on the 45th Independence Demand Day, Ngouba called the people to join the struggle for the liberation of Manipur.

“Now is not the time for hesitation or regret; it is a time for us to take up every available means and march in unison to break free from this chain of slavery,” he stated.

The Acting President claimed that despite having all the powers to stop the ongoing conflict in the State, the Indian Government is unwilling to provide a solution because of its “concealed agenda.” He also accused the GoI of “aligning” with the Kuki-Zo community and ignoring the “cries and sufferings of innocent civilians, including women and children” from the Meitei community.

“Truly speaking, all these circumstances stem from decisions or positions preconceived by India, allowing them to persist as long as they do not jeopardize India’s interests,” Ngouba alleged.

Further, he maintained that the protracted situation has revealed and provided clarity on the “fundamental motivations” of GoI despite its persistent attempt to conceal it.

“At first glance, it appears that there is either no policy or perhaps an incorrect one. However, through this extended conflict, it becomes apparent that even if there is a flaw in the policy and there is a call to rectify the injustices, these authorities are unable implement necessary corrections when prompted,” he said.

Hindu ultra-nationalism

The Acting President of RPF alleged that the influence of “the virus Hindu ultra-nationalism” has turned India’s interests into “harmful ailment” and expressed concern that consequently, power will lay in the hands of few people who will “forcefully” impose their dominant cultural narrative and aim to wipe out individuals of different races and non-Hindu ethnicities, that will inevitably lead to internal riots and escalation of violence.

India’s foreign policy

Ngouba also envisaged that India’s foreign policy will gradually become aggressive, leading to the country losing its “influence on international stage, reaching a point where it is banished by the global community”

India, China and Manipur

The Acting President alleged that India’s national interest that it must fight with China has contributed to the crisis in Manipur.

He said, “Whether they perceived Manipur as potentially aligning with China or foresee unfavorable outcomes if China intervenes, there remains a compelling need for them to dismantle the revolutionary groups in Manipur and WESEA region, reducing their strength as much as possible, and also inciting the people of these regions to stand against China.”

India, Myanmar and China

Ngouba claimed that India is assisting Myanmar as a strategic measure against China and also to counter the revolutionary groups of Manipur, Assam and Nagaland. He alleged that “Utilizing the Kukis under Suspension of Operation (SoO) as a weapon, initiating widespread poppy plantation in the hill areas, inducting illegal immigrants into Manipur are all tactic employed by India in its effort to counter China.”

Further he accused GoI of using the Chin-Kuki to combat the Meitei armed groups and also to exert pressure on Myanmar.

Act East Policy

Ngouba alleged that the underlying theme of ‘Act East Policy’ is to push India’s soft power and held that the debacle in Manipur and its border, which serves as a gateway to the Act East Policy, has exposed the true nature of India’s national interests. He also said that ‘Act East Policy’ will soon become ‘Fight East Policy’.

Further, MM Ngouba criticised GoI for not respecting the sanctity of Manipur’s border with Myanmar while proclaiming that “not a single inch of its land can be violated” in other regions. “Honoring Manipur’s history, its socio-cultural diversity, communities, ethnicities, and the lives and property of its people are not a part of India’s national interests,” he maintained.

Reminding the people of the “indomitable fighting spirit, unwavering perseverance, skillfulness, unity and courage” of the forefathers, the Acting President of RPF said “Waiting for mercy from the colonial rulers will inevitably result in shrinking further of our land that inherited from our forefathers and it will bring about the end of all ethnicities through violence, the extinction of indigenous peoples, and the ruination of our nation and society.”