Historic Peace Agreement Signed Between Govt. and Oldest Manipuri Insurgent Group UNLF

Centre and Manipur sign historic peace agreement with UNLF

The United National Liberation Front (UNLF) is the oldest Meitei extremist group based in the Manipur valley. Formed in 1964, the UNLF has been seeking Manipur’s secession from India and is banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA).

On November 29, 2023, a historic peace agreement was signed between the Union government, Manipur government and the UNLF. As per the agreement, the UNLF faction led by K. Pambei consisting of 65 cadres has agreed to renounce violence and join the mainstream.

The agreement marks the end of a 60-year insurgency and is a landmark step in realizing India’s vision of inclusive development in the Northeast. Both Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh welcomed the move, hoping it will usher in an era of peace and progress in the state.

The key highlights of the peace pact are the surrender of weapons by over 250 UNLF cadres, their commitment to non-violence and entering mainstream politics while abiding by India’s Constitution.

Key Details of the Agreement

The peace agreement has been signed by only one faction of the UNLF led by K. Pambei consisting of 65 cadres. The Pambei faction entered Manipur during the recent ethnic violence and has now agreed to join the mainstream.

However, the other major faction of around 300 cadres led by R.K. Achou Singh is still operating from Myanmar and has not signed the agreement. This Koireng faction remains a militant group for now.

Over 250 cadres surrendered their weapons on November 29th. Some local people from the conflict-hit areas also surrendered along with the UNLF cadres.

This agreement marks the end of a 60 year long insurgency by the UNLF who have now agreed to abjure violence. The militants have committed to join the democratic mainstream of Indian politics while giving up their armed revolt.

Insurgency in Northeast and Peace Initiatives

The Northeast region of India comprising 8 states has been plagued by insurgency issues fueled by demands for autonomy, identity issues, underdevelopment etc. Difficult forested terrain and open borders have enabled militant groups to operate camps across India’s borders.

To bring peace, the government has unveiled initiatives like surrender-rehabilitation schemes, reimbursement of security expenses of states, civic action programs to build trust amongst locals, etc.

However, lack of economic development and livelihood opportunities continue to sustain insurgent movements by disgruntled youth.

United National Liberation Front (UNLF)

The United National Liberation Front (UNLF) is a separatist insurgent group founded on November 24, 1964 with the aim of establishing a sovereign socialist Manipur state. Active in Manipur for over six decades now, the banned group resorted to armed struggle and militant activities in its pursuit of an independent homeland.

Operating mainly from camps across the border in Myanmar and Bangladesh, UNLF claims to represent the interests of the majority Meitei community in Manipur.

It has links with other Northeastern rebel outfits and has been involved in subversive propaganda, recruitment, training and armed attacks against the Indian state to achieve its political objectives. Outlawed by the Indian government, the UNLF remains a potent symbol of ethnic separatism and identity politics in Manipur despite facing factions due to leadership differences among its cadres over the years.

Significance of the Peace Agreement

This agreement marks the first time that a valley-based Manipuri insurgent group like UNLF has agreed to return to the mainstream. Unlike previous accords signed with ethnic rebel outfits, the UNLF is the oldest Meitei extremist organization based in Manipur valley agreeing to join democratic processes.

The pact signifies an end to violent clashes between UNLF and security forces that have claimed many lives on both sides over several decades. It opens doors for a peaceful dialogue and conflict resolution.

It also provides the government an opportunity to address longstanding demands raised by the Meitei community regarding protection of identity, land rights and economic development.

Further, it is hoped that the agreement with UNLF will encourage other militant outfits like the faction led by R.K. Achou Singh to also abjure violence and join the peace process in the near future. This may lead to lasting stability in Manipur.

Final Thoughts

The peace accord with UNLF aligns with India’s vision of inclusive growth and harmony in the Northeast. It has historic significance for ending a 60-year insurgency and restoring stability in Manipur through weapons surrender and mainstreaming of militants.

This agreement sets a precedent for other rebel groups like Achou Singh faction of UNLF to come forward for peace talks. It marks a significant milestone towards lasting peace and political stability in Manipur specifically and the Northeast region in general. If implemented effectively on ground, it could allow the youth to choose progress over conflict.