Irengbam Chaoren Top PLA leader dies of brain cancer at 65

Imphal: Manipur’s banned militant group People’s Liberation Army (PLA), self-proclaimed chairman of the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF), Irengbam Chaoren, died at 10.30 am on Friday after prolonged illness. He was 65 years old.

The RPF chief was battling cancer for a long time. The RPF is the political wing of the PLA, one of the oldest revolutionist organizations in Manipur.
He took charge as RPF Chairman in 1990.

In a statement, the RPF/PLA announced 15 days of mourning in honor of the rebel leader on Saturday. The party flag is hoisted on his death.
Irengbam Chaoren, who belonged to the Khagempalli Huidrom Leikai, was also the convener of the banned CorCom, a group of seven armed organizations in Manipur, since its formation in July 2011.
Formed on 25 September 1978 under the leadership of N Bisheswar Singh, the PLA aimed to organize a revolutionary front covering the entire North-East and unite all ethnic groups, including the Meteis, Nagas and Kukis, so that Manipur can be freed from the occupying forces. ”
The independent state of Manipur was merged into the Indian Union in 1949.