Manipur's oldest militant group UNLF signs peace pact with govt, Amit Shah says 'historic milestone'

The peace agreement with the UNLF by the government of India and the government of Manipur marks the end of a six-decade-long armed movement.

Guwahati: The United National Liberation Front (UNLF), the oldest insurgent group in conflict-hit Manipur, signed an agreement with the government on Wednesday, something which the Centre has called a "historic development." 

"A historic milestone achieved!!! Modi government's relentless efforts to establish permanent peace in the Northeast have added a new chapter of fulfilment as the UNLF signed a peace agreement, today in New Delhi. 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," Home Minister Amit Shah posted in 'X' (formerly Twitter).

The UNLF was among the eight Valley-based insurgent groups, which were banned by the Centre under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). 

The peace agreement assumes significance as several organisations representing the Kuki-Zo communities have alleged involvement of the Valley-based insurgent groups in the ongoing violence that have claimed nearly 200 lives since May. Valley districts are dominated by the Meitei community, who constitute nearly 53 per cent of Manipur's population.

The UNLF was formed in 1964 with the demand for cessation of Manipur. The outfit has operated both within and outside the country and was held responsible for several attacks on civilians and the security forces in the past.

"The agreement is poised to give a fillip to usher in a new era of peace in the North East in general and Manipur in particular. It is hoped that the return of UNLF to the mainstream will also encourage other valley-based armed groups to participate in the peace process in due course. A Peace Monitoring Committee will be constituted to oversee enforcement of the agreed ground rules," said a statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs after the agreement was signed in New Delhi on Wednesday.

The People's Liberation Army, PREPAK and KYKL are some other major Valley-based insurgent groups which are still active in Manipur. The government is also likely to sign an agreement with the Kuki insurgent groups, who are in suspension of operation agreement for the past several years.  

"While political settlements have been finalised with several ethnic armed groups of the North East as part of conflict resolution initiatives of Government of India, it is for the first time a valley-based Manipuri armed group has agreed to return to mainstream by abjuring violence and agreeing to honour the Constitution of India and laws of the land. The agreement will not only bring an end to hostilities between UNLF and security forces which have claimed precious lives on both sides over the last more than half a century but also provide an opportunity to address the longstanding concerns of the community. The development is likely to be a significant step in restoring peace and normalcy in the State," said the statement.

Welcoming the UNLF members to the mainstream, Manipur CM N. Biren Singh said the peace agreement is a testament to the relentless efforts of the BJP government in bringing peace and development in the North-East states and Manipur.

Reacting to Shah's claim about PM Narendra Modi's relentless efforts to establish permanent peace in the Northeast, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posted on X, "Surely, a visit by the Prime Minister to Manipur which has seen so much turmoil, disturbance and violence for over six and a half months now, is called for as part of these so-called ‘efforts’."