Indian govt signs peace accord with Manipur’s insurgent group UNLF, Amit Shah calls it ‘historic milestone’
In what has been described as a ‘historic milestone’, the Indian government on Wednesday (Nov 29) confirmed that it has signed a peace deal with Manipur’s banned armed group United National Liberation Front (UNLF), paving the way for normalcy to return in the violence-hit north-eastern state.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to social media X to laud the oldest valley-based armed group’s decision to shun violence and join the mainstream.
Ministers hail achievement
“A historic milestone achieved!!! Modi govt’s relentless efforts to establish permanent peace in the Northeast have added a new chapter of fulfillment as the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) signed a peace agreement, today in New Delhi,” Shah said in an X (formerly Twitter) post.
“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 home minister added.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh also termed it as "a significant milestone."
"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 permanent peace in the Northeast," Singh posted on X.
Insurgent groups activity sliding in state
The peace talks between the government and the insurgent group began last year, according to reports. It was paused for a brief period due to the ethnic strife in the state that broke out on May 3.
It is considered a major breakthrough as no valley-based Meitei insurgent group had ever come to an agreement with the Indian government or even participated in peace talks.
The peace accord marks the end of the decades-long armed struggle by the group which was fighting for an independentManipur kingdom, before it became part of India.
Over the years, the insurgent group broke into several factions after its chiefImphal-based public figure RK Meghen left the outfit many years ago.
Among the 40 insurgent groups inManipur, UNLF was considered the oldest in the state capital Imphal valley. However, they have been lying low for a long time following their signing of separate suspension of operation agreements with the central government.The UNLF had most of its bases along the dense jungles of Myanmar, just across the border with India.