Imphal, Nov. 23: The United National Liberation Front (UNLF) today reaffirmed its “commitment” to carry on the struggle for “change and liberation”, the annual statement issued by the central committee of the group said here today on the eve of the group’s 47th foundation day.

The militant group announced its decision despite the arrests of its leader Sana Yaima alias R.K. Meghen, and some senior leaders who are now lodged in Guwahati jail.

Sana Yaima, during his routine appearance in the National Investigation Agency’s court has repeatedly reaffirmed his party’s decision to continue with the struggle.

The UNLF has been proposing a plebiscite under UN supervision to resolve the conflict in Manipur in a democratic way.

Sana Yaima, 65, had earlier this year told The Telegraph in an interview that “it is plebiscite or nothing. Let them convict me and award me death sentence. I will not change my mind.”

The UNLF’s central committee admitted that the trust of people on armed groups was “diminishing” because these groups had failed to espouse armed struggle and counter the policy of driving a wedge between the groups and the masses.

It also said use of violence and brute force by the organisations on the people also alienated the masses.

It said the formation of a coordination committee of seven armed groups in July this year was to win people’s trust.

On the Look East policy, the statement said it provided both opportunities and threats for numerically smaller communities.

The group said Manipur could exploit the opportunities only if it had a good production base.

It called for setting up of enterprises in the small and medium industries.

It expressed concern over the influx of outsiders.

Meghen, who took over as UNLF chairman in 1998, claimed last month that his arrest would not affect the outfit.

“The UNLF is run by a collective leadership and not by any individual. We have democratic organisation with a set goal,” he had said.