Manipur Armed Group UNLF Signs Peace Deal, 6-Decade-Long Armed Movement Ends

In a groundbreaking development, the Pambei faction of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), an insurgent group hailing from Manipur valleys, has officially inked a Peace Agreement with the Government of India and the Government of Manipur. This unprecedented move marks the first instance of a valley-based insurgent group (VBIG) from Manipur entering into a peace pact with the central authorities.

The historic announcement was made on Wednesday evening by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who lauded the event as a "historic milestone." Through a post on X, Shah conveyed, "UNLF, the oldest valley-based armed group of Manipur, has agreed to renounce violence and join the mainstream. I welcome them to the democratic processes and wish them all the best in their journey on the path of peace and progress."

The UNLF, established on November 24, 1964, initially sought secession from India. However, internal divisions weakened the group over time, leading to the formation of the Pambei faction in 2021 under the leadership of Khundongbam Pambei. Unlike the faction led by NC Koireng, which remains distant from talks, the Pambei faction is pro-dialogue.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs declared that this marks the first instance of a valley-based insurgent group choosing to abandon violence and rejoin the mainstream. The Ministry expressed optimism that this agreement would not only cease hostilities between UNLF and security forces but also address long-standing community concerns. A Peace Monitoring Committee will be established to enforce agreed-upon ground rules, although these rules and the terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

The Ministry anticipates that the return of UNLF to the mainstream will set a precedent, encouraging other valley-based armed groups to participate in the peace process over time. This development is seen as a crucial step towards restoring peace and normalcy in the state.

It noteworthy that the UNLF is among the seven "Meitei Extremist Organizations" banned by the Union Government, with the ban recently extended for another five years. The groups are accused of advocating Manipur secession from India through armed struggle and engaging in activities detrimental to the nation sovereignty and integrity.

While these organizations have witnessed internal fractures and declines, concerns persist due to the heightened activities of their cadres amid the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur. The extension of the ban highlighted their involvement in various activities, including attacks on civilians, police, and security forces, extortion, maintaining camps in neighboring countries, and seeking foreign assistance for arms and training.

In contrast, a tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between the Centre, Manipur, and the Kuki-Zomi insurgent groups had been established in 2008. However, in a recent development, the Manipur government withdrew from the agreement with the Zomi Revolutionary Army and the Kuki National Army, citing their alleged influence on agitation among forest encroachers.