Incidents and Statements involving United National Liberation Front: 2013

Date

Nature of incident

January 21

Churachandpur District of Manipur

ULFA-ATF and NDFB-IKS along with nine other militant outfits of the northeast called for boycott of Republic Day celebrations on January 26 and blamed the Government of covert military operations.

The other groups includes CorCom, the umbrella body of seven militant groups of Manipur, NLFT and Tripura People's Democratic Front,[Political organisation representing (ATTF)]

The UNLF has rejected the press statement of Press Information Bureau (PIB-Defence Wing) which claimed that a fierce gun battle took place between SFs and UNLF along Manipur-Myanmar border in Churachandpur District in the morning of January 21 in which four UNLF cadres were reportedly killed.

A press release from the Media Co-ordinator of the CorCom, comprising of seven major rebel groups, has claimed responsibility for the bomb blasts in and around Imphal on January 25 and 26. It may be mentioned that four bombs had gone off on the eve of the Republic day (January 26) function: one at the 1st Battalion MR Campus another at a garbage dump near Keishamthong bridge a third one near the gate of the RDS school, Palace Compound and another at the Guwahati High Court complex in Chingmeirong. It has also claimed responsibility for another bomb which went off near the gate of the 3rd IRB at Wangbal in Thoubal District on January 26 at around 9am.

Imphal west District of Manipur

Manipur Police, sent additional personnel from its elite force Manipur Police Commando in Manipur's border town Moreh (Chandel District) at the international border with Myanmar as intelligence inputs warns of clash among the underground groups. Intelligence inputs indicated that there were high possibilities of clash between cadres of UPPK and other constituents of CorCom of seven underground outfits operating in Manipur after the former was ousted from the committee, particularly in Moreh and international border line.

February 5

Imphal East District in Manipur

SFs arrested a UNLF cadre identified as Salam Nanao alias Sanatomba from Irilbung Forest Office. He was involved in extortion of money from the general public, Government officials, businessmen, shopkeepers etc.

Non-Violent

February 7

NS

The MPA, [UNLF's MAC] greeted all the people of Manipur in addition to extending New Year wishes on the occasion of the outfit's 26th raising day. MPA's unrelenting struggle for restoring the lost sovereignty against the Indian Government is made possible only because of the people's help and support, conveyed a statement issued by the UNLF -MAC 'Acting Chairman ', Khundongbam Pambei.

Statement

The UNLF has alleged that a special team of 44 AR Kasung post in close coordination with 24 Batallion AR deployed at Moreh (Chandel District) crossed inside Myanmar territory and conducted a sabotage operation by destroying a bridge at about 20 mile North of Tamu along Tamu-Minthar road of Myanmar, according to a report. To pass the blame to UNLF, the Indian saboteurs pasted a poster which read as "Long Live UNLF, Long Live Meghen, Kabaw Valley belongs to Manipur and not to Burmese Dogs", said a press release issued by the outfit's Senior Publicity Officer Ksh Yoiheiba.

Bishnupur District in Manipur

At least six militant cadres belonging to different outfits surrendered with arms to BSF authorities at the paramilitary force's 116 battalion complex near Loktak Lake. Four cadres of the UNLF and one each of the PULF and PLA surrendered along with five pistols, one carbine and two grenades to the BSF inspector general (frontier headquarters) Manohar Lal Batham, a BSF official said.

Imphal east District of Manipur

A team of Imphal East commandos also arrested one UNLF cadre identified as, Khaidem Premkumar alias Shangai Ningthou Meitei (33) from Nungaipokpi on February 15. On verification, he stated that he joined UNLF in the year 2012 through his younger brother Toyamba and he was involved in the extortion of money from the general public, Government officials, private firms and through transportation of arms and ammunition.

Manipur government has denied appointment to Thounoujam Brinda, the daughter-in-law of UNLF 'chairman' Rajkumar Meghen, in MPS even after she cleared the test. The Government alleged that there was an FIR against her for being sympathetic towards the outfit.

Imphal West District in Manipur

Police commandos of the Imphal West District arrested one militant of the UNLF from Khuman Lampak near Dinku Road crossing. It identified the two as UNLF's 'corporal' Thokchom Chon alias Nganthoi

A statement signed by Ksh Yoiheiba, Senior Publicity Officer of the UNLF has alleged that the Indian Government is trying desperately with every possible way to undermine UNLF Chairman Sanayaima and 14 other cadres including two Central Committee members to negotiating terms. Alleging that the Government is "intentionally and cunningly doing media manipulation to mislead the general public", the statement pointed out that a story reported on 20 February 2013, on some Guwahati based TV channels DY- 365, NETV, etc. and an Assamese daily "Asomia Protidin" said that UNLF Chairman Sana Yaima alias Meghen had begun "peace talks" with representatives of Government of India through Video Conference from Dispur (Assam) and said that the said media report is totally baseless, mischievous and misleading.

Ukhrul District in Manipur

An AR trooper was injured in an IED explosion occurred at a place between Konkan and Nambisa bordering Myanmar at around 10.45 am. Meanwhile, claiming responsibility of the blast, UNLF spokesperson said that five AR Jawans were killed and some other Jawans were injured in the attack.

Kwakeithel Thounaojam Leika in Manipur

Imphal West Police commandos arrested two sympathizers of the UNLF outfit.

Bishnupur District in Manipur

Five militants, three from the UNLF and one each from the PULF and the KCP-MC, surrendered before the BSF Inspector-General Sh. Anup Chand Thapliyal at 116 BSF battalion.

Thoubal District in Manipur

Commandos of Thoubal District Police carried out frisking and checking at Pallel near the Police check post and arrested a cadre of UNLF, identified as Ayekpam Leishemba alias Mayokngamba alias Khaphei.

NS

Comparing the Indian military operating in Manipur with mafia and drug cartels, the UNLF has alleged that the recent claim of BSF about surrender of five militant cadres to them was another chapter of the fake surrender drama.

NS

Accusing 44 AR personnel posted at Kasung Post in Kasom-Khullen area of killing an innocent villager, identified as Zaw Myo, of Phayang in Myanmar after torturing, the UNLF has called upon the ethnic brethren as well as neighbouring nations, especially Myanmar to condemn India's 'excesses' against indigenous people. A statement issued by the Senior Publicity Officer of the UNLF, Ksh Yoiheiba contended that the security forces are killing innocent villagers to snap age-old fraternal relations between Manipur and Myanmar. The UNLF statement pointed out that on April 2, 44 AR of Kasung Post operating in Kasom-Khulen area captured two innocent Kuki villagers from Phayang village from across the border killing one while the other escaped.

The CorCom of six militant outfits- the KCP, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK-Pro, RPF and the UNLF has declared that it would boycott the forthcoming visit of India's President in Manipur and subsequently announced a 26 hour general strike. President Pranab Mukherjee is scheduled to arrive at Imphal on April 15.

One UNLF cadre, identified as M Rojer Meitei alias Tomba alias Thougaingamba (27) was arrested by SFs from his residence near DAV School, Sangakpham in Imphal East District on April 18.

The ZRO, said it strongly condemns the intrusion of about seven armed cadres of UNLF at L Kanan village under Singngat sub-division in Churachandpur District on April 13 at around 6.30 pm who allegedly tortured innocent villagers besides preventing them from attending Church. It is unbecoming of a revolutionary organization like the UNLF to harass and torture innocent civilians said the ZRO statement signed by Mang Zomi, Director, 'Ministry of Information and Public relations', ZRO. "The ZRO warns the UNLF to desist from meddling in the affairs of Zomi in future. The ZRO will spare no effort to protect the Zomi from the onslaught of any external forces," it added.

The CorCom, umbrella body of six militant outfits based in Manipur, while remembering the sacrifices of the forefathers of Manipur during the Khongjom war or the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 has praised their sacrifices. It further appealed to the people of Manipur to remember the sacrifices of the forefathers on the Anglo-Manipur Khongjom war Memorial Day on April 23 .

SFs arrested a UNLF militant, identified as 'Lance Corporal' Moirangthem Premchandra Singh alias Ahing (30) from an undisclosed location. The militant was later handed over to Kumbi police station for further investigation.

UNLF has claimed that the bomb attack near Ngariyan village along Yairipok-Andro road which left two Assam Rifles personnel injured on April 28 was carried out by a small demolition team of its armed wing, the MPA. Saying that many special teams of MPA have stationed themselves at different parts of Manipur to launch military offensive against the Indian military, the outfit asked civilians to stay away from Indian military as far as possible. 'One major deterrent in the UNLF-MPA's liberation movement is use of civilians as human shield by the Indian military', said a press release issued by the outfit's Senior Publicity Officer Ksh Yoiheiba.

The CorCom of six militant groups has set up a JFF under the aegis of its JMC after a joint meeting held. The establishment of JFF after several subordinates bodies were set up already is a significant step for CorCom to become a united front, it said in a statement. JFF which would take the role of vanguards in the liberation movement of Manipur (Kangleipak) would be a big boost to the revolutionary movement in the coming days, it added.

A cadre of UNLF Army No 886 (Batch No 13) identified as 'Sergeant major' Salam Kunjabihari alias Tharoiba, surrendered to the Security Forces with one .22mm Rifle with Magazine" on May 4. The individual revealed that he joined UNLF outfit in 2000 and was actively involved in money collection for the banned outfit from Kumbi area of Bishnupur District.

A press statement signed by Ksh.Yoiheiba Senior Publicity Officer of the UNLF has refuted the news report of one 'Sergeant Major' Salam Kunjabihari alias Tharoiba surrendering along with an M-22 riffle saying it is part of the ongoing fake drama being carried out as propaganda by the Security Forces.

Security Forces arrested two persons suspected to be responsible for the IED blast of February 26, 2013 at Tualbung village along the Tiddim Road in the suburbs of Lamka town in Churachandpur District. They were identified as Lalthanglian alias Kancha and Wangjam Shanti Kumar alias Maimu both cadres of UNLF.

A UNLF cadre, identified as Naorem Gourakumar Singh, was arrested by Imphal East District Police commandos on the same day at around 8.10am from New Checkon crossing.

CM, Okram Ibobi Singh expressed his happiness that UPPK cadres had come out to join the national mainstream by laying down arms and signing the MoU following an understanding with the Government. The Government will seriously take up the actions to rehabilitate those persons who have taken the path of peace, he said. The CM further said that the door is wide open for underground organizations of all communities in the hills and the valley to return to a normal peaceful life. He appealed to other remaining rebel groups, including the UNLF, PLA, PREPAK and KYKL, to come to the path of peace like the UPPK. He went on to say that steps will be taken up in consultation with the Indian Government to provide equal facilities to those who have taken the path of peace including health, education sectors etc.

A cadre of UNLF, identified as Moirangthem John alias Akongjamba of Nakhalawai in Bishnupur District, surrendered to SFs along with one .22mm pistol and five rounds on June 7. The surrendered cadre, who reportedly joined UNLF in 2007, is said to be the younger brother of 'Captain' Moirangthem Raja alias Chingkheinganba alias Meiba of the UPPK, the latter having surrendered on May 18, 2013.

Another cadre of UNLF, 'corporal' Ningthoujam Abung alias Sunder alias Lainingba, surrendered to SFs. The surrenderee, who handed over one .22mm pistol with magazines and three rounds, revealed that he joined UNLF outfit in March 2001 and cited desire for leading a normal life as the motivating factor for coming out.

The UNLF, Manipur has dismissed the claim of PIB-DW made through local papers that two of its cadres had surrendered to Red Shield Division stating that it is a 'baseless claim'.

Imphal East / Manipur

A combined team of Imphal East commandos and 40 Assam Rifles arrested one UNLF cadre identified as Yumnam Ibungomacha alias Naobicha from Andro Lamthabung, said a release SP Imphal East.

Imphal West / Manipur

A press release issued by the Superintendent of Police, Imphal West has said that a team of the District Police commandos arrested an a cadre of UNLF identified as Mayengbam Premjit Singh (42) from Keishampat near Yumsha Chicken Centre.

The UNLF dismissing the claim of Imphal West Police that a UNLF cadre, identified as Mayengbam Premjit, was arrested near Yumsha Chicken Centre, Keishampat on June 28, 'clarified' that Premjit is a civilian.

The UNLF has refuted any connection whatsoever between the party and Yumnam Tomba (35) who was reportedly arrested by Imphal West commandos from Mantripukhri on July 8 on the charge of being an active cadre of UNLF.

Imphal West District Police Commandos arrested a militant belonging to UNLF, identified as Naorem Deben Kumar Singh alias Bruce.

The SFs launched an operation at Sawombung in the Imphal East District and arrested two UNLF cadres on July 28, 2013. The arrestees were identified as Ningombam Premjit Singh (22) alias Naobi and Mutum Naobicha (32) alias Nanglai Khaba. One Nokia mobile phone along with SIM was recovered from Mutum Naobicha.

A Court has ordered forfeiture of property of UNLF under UAPA after it was proved that the property was bought from proceeds of extortions. The order was passed by the Guwahati special NIA Court last week in connection with a case registered against operatives of UNLF of Manipur. In 2010, NIA had registered a case against the outfit under UAPA and arrested 25 members, including UNLF 'chairman' RK Meghen.

The UNLF has denied any connection whatsoever between the outfit and Sapam Tombi (35) who was reportedly arrested by troops of 15 Assam Rifles on August 6.

11 militant outfits based in India's Northeast, six from Manipur, three from Assam and one each from Meghalaya and Tripura, have jointly called for a boycott of Independence Day (August 15). The outfits include KCP, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK-PRO, RPF and UNLF of Manipur, which operate from one platform called CorCom, HNLC of Meghalaya, KLO, NDFB, ULFA-I of Assam and NLFT of Tripura. These groups now describe northeast as "Western South East Asia (WESEA) region".

SFs arrested two militants, including a woman, of the UNLF during a counter insurgency operation at Tangjeng Nungoo and Chairel villages of Thoubal District. The arrested cadres have been identified as Laishram Kishan (27) and Laishram Sana Devi (29).

Contending that the two 'individuals' arrested have no connection with it, the UNLF said the arrest is yet another demonstration that security forces continue to brand innocent persons as militants.

Amidst the tight security measures in and around Imphal, the State capital, in view of the call for boycott of Independence Day celebrations given by the major insurgent groups operating in Manipur, a bomb suspected to be an IED exploded. The IED explosion took place in front of the newly-constructed City Convention Area located in the high security zone. However, no armed group operating in the region has so far claimed responsibility for the incident. There is no report of any casualty in the explosion.

The CorCom has claimed responsibility for all the two blasts and the earlier attack at City Convention Centre. CorCom and other revolutionary groups of 'Western Southeast Asia (WESEA)' called for a general strike on August 15 and boycotted the Independence Day (August 15).

UNLF 'acting Chairman' Khundongbam Pambei has been unanimously elected Convenor of the CorCom) of KCP, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK-Pro, RPF and UNLF. Pambei was elected Convenor during the CorCom's 7th conference held from July 8 to August 26, 2013, conveyed a press release issued by the CorCom's 'media coordinator 'H Poirei.Tenure of the first convenor Irengbam Chaoren, 'President' of RPF expired on July 8, 2013, it added.

SFs conducted a search operation at Yairipok Nungaipokpi area in Thoubal District and arrested a cadre of UNLF, identified as Moirangthem Mangaljao alias Samsongba alias Abung alias Romen Meitei (23).

12 cadres of six militant outfits surrendered to the Government along with arms at a ceremony held at the Chief Minister's Secretariat. The surrenderees include six from Progressive faction of PREPAK-Pro, two from KYKL, and one each from the PREPAK, PLA, UNLF and KCP-Lamyanba Khuman. The weapons handed over included two 9mm pistols with 20 rounds, nine hand-grenades with detonators, two IEDs, one AK-56 rifle with two magazines and an AK-47 rifle with magazine and 221 rounds.

Despite the crackdown launched by the Government of Bangladesh, around 200 members of militant groups of the North East region of India are still taking shelter in the neighboring country and a list of the shelter points was handed over to Bangladesh during the recent meeting between the Border Security Force and Borer Guard Bangladesh. Sources in the MHA told that the militants are not maintaining any full-fledged camp in Bangladesh but they have been maintaining at least 25 shelters, mostly in the areas like Khagrachari, Bandarband, and Rangamati in CHT.

Sources said that most of the militants staying in Bangladesh belong to the NLFT of Tripura. But other groups, like the ULFA-I, PLA and UNLF of Manipur, NSCN-IM and NDFB, are also maintaining shelters in the neighbouring country. The Government is still not sure whether the NDFB members staying in Bangladesh belong to the Ranjan Daimary or IK Songbijit faction.

UNLF 'chairman' Sana Yaima alias R.K. Meghe said neither ethnic-based administrative system nor the status of ST, SC or OBCs would bring equality and development in Manipur.

A sympathiser of UNLF, identified as Kh Ratan Meitei has been arrested by paramilitary forces from the Indo-Myanmar border in Chandel District. A powerful hand-grenade made in China was seized from him.

CorCom, a committee of valley based six militant groups of Manipur and the NLFT have jointly called an 18 hour general strike in Manipur and Twipra (Tripura) with effect from October 14 midnight till 6 pm of October 15 in protest against the 'forceful merger agreements' which came into effect from October 15, 1949 by which Manipur and Tripura was merged into the Indian Union.

The 18 hour joint bandh (general Strike) called by militant formation in Manipur and Tripura come into force from October 14th night in both the States.

An 18-hour shutdown in Manipur and Tripura announced by the CorCom of six Manipur based militant groups and NLFT in protest against the merger of the then kingdoms of Manipur and Twipra (Tripura) with the dominion of India on October 15, 1949, has started from Monday midnight.

SFs conducted a search operation at Keishampat Thiyam Leikai in Imphal West District and arrested one UNLF top leader, 'Captain' (Army No 252 of 8th batch), identified as Wahengbam Ibomcha alias Ibosana Meitei (41).

Three separate bandhs (shut down strike) in Manipur enforced by militant groups and another by two tribal civil organizations evoked near total response, paralysing normal life. The CorCom, a conglomerate of six different militant groups had imposed an 18-hour general strike in protest against the merger of Manipur with the Indian Union on October 15, 1949 and another 12-hour parallel bandh was called by MCP-M. KISG and SANPO on the other hand, had also given a 48-hour Senapati District bandh demanding the Government to fulfill their demands. The triple strikes simultaneously began in the midnight.

Troops of 27 Assam Rifles reportedly arrested a UNLF cadre identified as 'Lieutenant' Salam alias Sanatomba alias Kan at the Mobile Vehicle Check Post at Patsoi Part 2 in Imphal West District.

Three AR personnel have been reportedly killed while some others were injured in an encounter with UNLF cadres near Kangpat Khullen village, Ukhrul District.

A high ranking cadre of UNLF, identified as 'Lieutenant' Achom Anil alias Ibomcha alias Sanajaoba alias Muttu alias Dharambir was arrested by a combined team of while conducting operation at Sega Road, Thoudabhabok Leikai.

The UNLF said that Achom Anil alias Ibomcha alias Mutu who was arrested on October 25 was a deserter who deserted the outfit in 2012 and that he is no more related with the outfit.

A powerful IED, suspected to have been planted by rebels, exploded near Northern Gate of Kangla fort in the heart of Imphal city in the morning of October 26, leaving a jawan of AR with splinter injury. Injured jawan has been identified as Bijay Pal (30).

Saying that it has received information about some people collecting money from the public in their name, the CorCom (six valley based militant groups) has categorically stated that the six constituent parties have never sought or collected donation in the name of CorCom,. Those people reportedly seeking or collecting money in the name of CorCom are all impostors and they have no relation with the CorCom.

Militant outfits, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK-Pro and UNLF have denied their hands in the assassination of MPP vice-president Haobijam Manisana who was shot dead by some unidentified persons.

Claiming to have enough evidence to prove that most incidents related to 'mob-justice' against militant sympathisers are due to abetment by security force authorities, CorCom, the six militant group conglomerate said it will take befitting action against those involved in 'mob-justice'. A statement issued by CorCom media coordinator H Poirei said launched specific investigation in the last 2-3 years into incidents of 'mob-justice' against militants sympathisers eventually unearthing clues that attacking houses of sympathisers to protest certain incidents were actually planned and the target finalised at security force camps located in the area of incidents.

The UNLF celebrated its 49th raising day extensively across the State and at all units of the party and its armed wing MPA, conveyed a press release issued by the outfit's senior publicity officer Ksh Yoiheiba.

Three insurgents of the UNLF, identified as Ngangom Roshan (19), Abung Malemnganba (19) and Milan Gurung (19) were arrested from Asang Khulen area in Ukhrul District by 44th Assam Rifles battalion personnel, the Police said.

Alongside several underground organisations that have already been declared as the Unlawful organizations, the Union Home Ministry has declared CorCom (conglomerate of six valley-based outfits) and the MPLF along with all their factions, wings and front organisations as 'Unlawful Associations' under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. This was stated by the Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde during his monthly Press Conference held on December 10. The Home Minister said that the underground groups, including CorCom were declared Unlawful Association on November 13, 2013.