Since the inception of the Manipur Peoples’ Liberation Front, an umbrella organisation, in 1999 its constituents, the UNLF (United National Liberation Front), PREPAK (Peoples Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak) and RPF (Revolutionary Peoples Front), for the first time came together to jointly observe a National Black Day denouncing the merger of Manipur with the Indian Union on October 15, 1949, terming it an annexation. Journalists of this State were invited to witness the occasion. The function was observed somewhere along the Indo-Myanmar border. Many villagers from the border area and Meira Paibis from different parts of the State were present in hordes to participate in the function which denounced the merger of the princely State of Manipur with the Indian Union.

For the first time in the annals of Manipur’s revolutionary history, the top leadership of the three underground outfits came together on the anniversary of the merger. Present were the assistant chief of army staff of the PLA, an armed wing of RPFG, the defence secretary cum chief of army staff of the Red Army, an armed wing of PREPAK and the managing and organisation secretary of the UNLF. The were joined by hundreds of armed cadres, including women, from the three outfits. The chieftains and village headmen of the villages in the vicinity were the chief guests and guests of honour. Besides, there were many Meira Paibis (Manipuri women with torches, who guard their localities from the paramilitary forces and civil police alleged to harass innocent people). Meira Paibis’ activities are very powerful. If an innocent person is taken in, they snatch him away from forces. Activists from different parts of the State also attended.

Welcoming those present, Second Lieutenant of the PLA, Shyam, said that the MPLF represents all the communities residing in Manipur and is not restricted to any single community. Acknowledging the people’s participation in the ongoing revolution, he showed his gratitude for their enthusiastic participation. A joint statement of the Permanent Body of the MPLF was then delivered by the defence secretary of PREPAK. The statement dealt at length on the struggle for liberation launched by the underground groups, the present condition of Manipur and the trends of things to come in the future. The chief guest, guest of honour, village chiefs, secretary, church representatives and Meira Paibis also expressed their strong opposition and resentment against the merger of Manipur with the Indian Union. Meira Paibies activists, echoing the call for a liberation struggle, said that only when we feel proud of our sons and daughters joining the underground groups can freedom be achieved. The strong bond of unity seen today among the groups has further strengthened the battle of achieving freedom and it is time now to prepare for a war strategy. We, the parents, must be in the vanguard of the revolution.

Later on, in his presidential speech, N. Nongyai, Secretary-Organisation, representing the UNLF called for a collective struggle which will cater to the welfare of the people as well as project a new horizon of the liberation movement in Manipur.