Manipur People’s Army (MPA)

The armed struggle for Manipur’s freedom required not only political organisation but also a disciplined fighting force that could represent the determination of its people. The armed wing of the UNLF was first established in 1967 under the name People’s Liberation Army (PLA). This formation reflected the early stage of militarising the struggle to resist colonial domination. However, with the emergence of another organisation bearing the same name in 1979, it became necessary to reassert UNLF’s distinct identity
and clarify its role in the liberation movement. Thus, in 1987, the armed wing was officially rechristened as the Manipur People’s Army (MPA).

The rebirth of the armed wing was not just a change of name but a historic moment that marked a new phase of the national liberation struggle. The UNLF leadership decided that the MPA must be rooted in discipline, sacrifice, and political clarity. To achieve this, the organization began imparting Basic Military Training (BMT) to a carefully selected group of patriotic youth. The first batch, consisting of 34 trainees, underwent training in February 1987 at a dedicated training centre located in the NSCN Base Area.

What made this first training especially significant was ensuring that the young recruits not only acquired military skills but also imbibed the spirit of sacrifice and dedication to the cause of Manipur’s freedom. The Passing-Out Parade was held on 9 February 1987. This day has since been immortalized in UNLF history as “MPA Day”, celebrated each year in honor of that first batch and the foundation they laid.

The training was conducted using a self-compiled Basic Military Training Manual, designed by UNLF instructors. This manual not only covered military drills and tactics but also ideological education, emphasizing the principles of unity, discipline, and revolutionary purpose. The aim was to shape fighters who were not merely soldiers but also patriots deeply aware of the historical struggle they were part of.

From this modest beginning, the MPA grew steadily. Soon after the first batch, more groups of dedicated youth volunteered to undergo training. Each batch strengthened the organization and reinforced the idea that the struggle for sovereignty required sacrifice and unwavering dedication. In a relatively short period of time, the MPA became known as one of the most disciplined and powerful fighting forces in the region’s liberation movement. Its growth symbolized the determination of Manipuri youth to take responsibility for their homeland’s future.

The establishment of the MPA was thus more than a military step. It was a declaration that Manipur’s struggle for freedom was alive, organised, and prepared to resist oppression with both political conviction and armed discipline. The legacy of those first 34 trainees continues to inspire every new generation of fighters who join the ranks, ensuring that the MPA remains a pillar of the national liberation movement.