UNLF disassociates itself from Manipur polls

IMPHAL, Jan 16 —The proscribed United National Liberation Front (UNLF) has categorically stated that the party has nothing to do with the eight State Assembly election which is to be held in February. According to a press statement issued by the Department of Publicity, the organisation said that the election is an exercise carried out by the Government of India to eliminate the right of self-determination by the people of Manipur. It stated that election is being held in Manipur under the garb of democracy to legalise India’s occupation. The statement further said that taking part in the election is akin to mortgaging ‘our right to self determination’ by another five years for a few crores of rupees. It added that election, in other words, is also extension of permission to the security forces of the government to terrorise the people of the State. It also stated that the building a new Manipur through the corrupt and debilitating Indian political system was impossible.