GS Paper III

News Excerpt

The Government of India and Government of Manipur signed a Peace Agreement with United National Liberation Front, the oldest valley-based armed group of Manipur.

More details on the news:

•  The Indian home ministry has signed agreements with several armed groups in the northeast in recent times to end militancy and promote development.
•   It is for the first time a valley-based Manipuri armed group has agreed to return to mainstream. It is a banned organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevetion) Act (UAPA), which was extended for five years recently.
• There has been 76% reduction in insurgency incidents in the last 10 years. Similarly, in this period, Security Forces casualties have come down by 90% and civilian deaths by 97%.
•  A Peace Monitoring Committee (PMC) will be constituted to oversee enforcement of the agreed ground rules.

Significance of the agreement

•  End of hostilities: 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.
•  Set a precedent for others: 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.
• Ensure development: The development is likely to be a significant step in restoring peace and normalcy in the State.

About United National Liberation Front (UNLF):

•  Formation: The UNLF was formed in November 1964 by Khalanlang Kamei as president. It set up its armed wing the Manipur Peoples' Army (MPA) in February 1990.
•  Objective: The UNLF favoured a long-term programme to secede from India, form alliance mainly with China and gradually capture political power with the help of an indoctrinated young population and the intelligentsia.  It aimed at reclaiming the Kabow Valley in Myanmar.
• Personnel and Weapons: The UNLF split into two factions due to internal differences. Jointly, the two factions are estimated to have 400-500 personnel with over 500 weapons of mixed types.
• Organisational Structure: The organisational structure of the UNLF comprises a chairman, central committee (five members), military affairs committee (three members) and standing committee (four members). All of UNLF camps were in Myanmar.
• Linkages and Front Organisations: The UNLF, being the oldest valley-based armed group, had wielded a significant influence on public issues. Most of the impact was through its front organisations that it used to mobilise public protests on key matters.
• Return to Mainstream: The senior leaders of the UNLF responded favourably to the Centre's offer to join the mainstream for the first time in 2020. More than 400 personnel with an equal number of weapons joined the peace process.