Centre and Manipur Signs Peace Agreement with UNLF

Context:  Recently, the Union Home Minister announced the signing of a peace agreement with the Meitei separatist group, United National Liberation Front (UNLF), in Manipur. 

Precedent for the Peace Agreement:

• Historical Context: Various Valley-Based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs) have historically refrained from entering agreements or participating in peace talks with the Centre.
• Limited Precedents: Some groups like the UPPK, KCP, and Maoist Communist Group, though possibly having insignificant strength, have either disbanded or become insignificant in the past.
• UNLF’s Split and Leadership Changes:
  • The UNLF experienced a formal split in the mid-1990s, leading to the formation of the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), another proscribed group, under N Oken.
• Recent Split and Factions: In 2021, a split occurred, with Khundongbam Pambei breaking away from the central committee.
  • Presently, there are two factions: one under Pambei’s chairmanship and the other under NC Koireng’s chairmanship.
• Consideration of the Peace Agreement:
  • While the terms of the recent agreement with the UNLF remain undisclosed, its significance is underscored by the group’s historical stature and impact in Manipur.
  • The presence of mass organizations and a substantial public turnout at recent events in Manipur reflects the group’s enduring influence.

About UNLF:

• Formation: Founded on November 24, 1964, the United National Liberation Front is the oldest valley-based insurgent group in Manipur.
  • It was formed with the demand for secession from India.
• Operational Scope: The area of operation includes all valley areas of Manipur and some villages in Kuki-Zomi hill districts.
• Current Status:
  • Two factions of the UNLF exist, collectively comprising an estimated 400-500 cadres.
  • Primarily operates from camps in Myanmar’s Sagaing Region, Chin State, and Rakhine State, with Myanmar military patronage.
• Legal Status: Proscribed and banned under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

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