Home Minister Amit Shah announced today in a post on X that the UNLF, the oldest armed group in Manipur valley, has signed a tripartite peace agreement with the central government and the state government. This announcement came days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh confirmed that talks had taken place with the armed group, which has been fighting Indian forces for six decades.
The armed organization, which was originally led by well-known Imphal-based public figure RK Meghen, has finally come to an end thanks to the peace deal. Meghen quit the group many years ago, and it split up into other sections.
Like other banned organizations located in the valley, such as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) waged a guerilla battle for a sovereign Manipur because they believed that the union of the pre-Independence Manipur monarchy with India was unlawful.
“The peace agreement signed today with the UNLF by the government of India and the government of Manipur marks the end of a six-decade-long armed movement,” Mr. Shah said in the article. “It is a landmark achievement in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s vision of all-inclusive development and providing a better future to the youth in northeast India,” stated the Home Minister.
The peace agreement signed today with the UNLF by the Government of India and the Government of Manipur marks the end of a six-decade-long armed movement.
It is a landmark achievement in realising PM @narendramodi Ji's vision of all-inclusive development and providing a better… pic.twitter.com/P2TUyfNqq1
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 29, 2023
The UNLF’s description as “valley-based” refers to the armed group’s beginnings in the valley of the state capital, Imphal, as well as other districts that aren’t considered hill regions. In a same vein, a tripartite peace accord known as the suspension of operations (SoO) agreement already governs at least 25 rebel groups that are situated on hills.
The hill-majority Kuki tribes and the valley-majority Meiteis have been engaged in ethnic conflicts in Manipur in recent months over a variety of problems, including a lack of land and resources and claiming a portion of the affirmative action Scheduled Tribes (ST) program. There have been thousands of internal displacements and over 180 deaths.
Though other important facts have still to come to light, sources informed NDTV today that the UNLF members will be housed in designated camps under the terms of the SoO deal, much like the rebels.
“I am not yet familiar with the agreement’s specifics. Nonetheless, I support all efforts for peace and any procedures that advance the state. Given the precarious condition of affairs at the moment, this specific accord is important, Lieutenant General Konsam Himalay Singh, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM YSM (retired), told NDTV today.
A different Manipur citizen, Lt General L Nishikanta Singh, a retired senior army commander, wrote on X, saying, “The Indian and Manipur government signed a tripartite peace agreement with the UNLF of Manipur today.” This might be the start of the end for the Meitei armed movement, which has lasted for six decades. A historic accomplishment for PM Narendra Modi ji—good administration all along.”
Strategic analysts who have been following Manipur have stated that the UNLF’s signing of the historic deal with the state and center is a positive move since it aims to create peace, even if the subject is unrelated to the ethnic hostilities.
Most of the UNLF’s bases were located in Myanmar’s deep jungles, directly over the Indian border. Experts noted that Manipur has been rapidly developing over the past ten years, and that the state has been progressively shedding its turbulent, insurgency-ridden past as major railway lines soon reach the valley areas. All of these developments could be major reasons for the decline in armed movements against India in the strategically significant border state, which is known as India’s only gateway to Southeast Asia.
“A significant historical turning point was reached. In Wednesday’s article announcing the peace pact, Mr. Shah stated, “The United National Liberation Front (UNLF) signed a peace agreement today in New Delhi, adding a new chapter of fulfilment to the Modi government’s relentless efforts to establish permanent peace in the northeast.”
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“The oldest armed organization in Manipur, the UNLF, has decided to give up violence and blend in with society. The Home Minister remarked, “I welcome them to the democratic processes and wish them all the best in their journey on the path of peace and progress.”
In a post on X, Manipur Chief Minister Mr. Singh stated that the longest armed organization in the valley had opted for peace, giving up violence to integrate into society and uphold democracy.
This has been made possible by Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji’s unflinching support and vision for a more prosperous and peaceful northeast. “May this cooperative endeavor lead to a peaceful and prosperous future for Manipur and the surrounding area,” expressed Mr. Singh.
The oldest armed group of Manipur has chosen the path of peace, renouncing violence to join the mainstream and embrace democracy. The United National Liberation Front (UNLF) has signed a peace agreement in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in our relentless pursuit of… pic.twitter.com/aBmkU0D9NT
— N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) November 29, 2023
Since the NSCN(IM), located in Nagaland, first signed a framework agreement for peace with the government led by Prime Minister Modi in 2015, the UNLF’s signature of the agreement with the state and the center is one of the largest peace treaties with any insurgent group in the northeast. It was hailed by the prime minister as a “historic” move toward bringing about state peace.
