UNLF, Manipur’s Oldest Armed Group, Receives Warm Welcome at Kangla Palace Grounds Following Peace Deal

The oldest valley-based armed group in Manipur, India, has been welcomed by the state government after signing a peace deal. The Manipur Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, led a ceremony and organized a mass lunch at the Kangla Palace grounds in the state capital, Imphal. Singh expressed hope that more groups would lay down their arms and join the peace process in Manipur, a strategic border state. The United National Liberation Front (UNLF) of the Pambei faction, which had been fighting for a sovereign Manipur, agreed to talk and joined the peace process, marking a major achievement. UNLF General Secretary Ch Thanil stated that they are happy to join the peace process and will work towards lasting stability. He also mentioned that the recent ethnic clashes between the Kuki tribes and the Meiteis were instigated by outsiders. The UNLF originated from the Imphal valley and had bases in the jungles of Myanmar. Manipur has been making progress in the past decade, and with the development of major railway lines, the state has been moving away from its insurgency-ridden past. The UNLF was formed in 1964 and later split into two factions. The anti-talks faction is led by RK Achou Singh.