Centre and Manipur Govt Sign Peace Deal With Armed Group UNLF

New Delhi: In a historic development, the Government of India and the Government of Manipur formally inked a Peace Agreement today in New Delhi with the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), the oldest armed group rooted in the valleys of Manipur. Established in 1964, the UNLF has operated both within and beyond Indian borders. This historic accord is poised to catalyze a new era of peace, particularly benefitting the North East region and Manipur.

Expressing his views on this monumental achievement, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, hailed it as a historic milestone. In his statements on social media, the Home Minister emphasized that this accomplishment aligns with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of comprehensive development and a brighter future for the youth in Northeast India. Shah warmly welcomed the UNLF into democratic processes, extending his best wishes for their journey towards peace and progress.

In pursuit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision and under the guidance of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, the Government of India has forged agreements with various armed groups in the North East since 2014, aiming to quell militancy and foster development.

While political settlements have been reached with numerous ethnic armed groups in the North East as part of the Government of India’s conflict resolution initiatives, this marks the first instance of a valley-based Manipuri armed group willingly rejoining the mainstream. The UNLF’s commitment to renounce violence and uphold the Constitution of India and the nation’s laws is a significant departure. This agreement not only brings an end to hostilities that have spanned over half a century, claiming lives on both sides, but also provides an avenue to address longstanding community concerns. There is optimism that the UNLF’s return to the mainstream will inspire other valley-based armed groups to engage in the peace process over time. A Peace Monitoring Committee (PMC) will be established to oversee the implementation of agreed-upon ground rules. This development is expected to be a pivotal stride towards reinstating peace and normalcy in the State.

The signing ceremony took place in New Delhi, with senior officials from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Government of Manipur, along with representatives of the United National Liberation Front, formalizing the agreement.