UNLF Peace Accord

Why in news?

Recently, the Centre and Manipur government signed a peace agreement with the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), the oldest valley-based armed group in Manipur.

What is the history of UNLF?

It is Manipur’s oldest militant group dominated by the Meitei community and one of the seven “Meitei Extremist Organisations” banned by the Union government under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

• Established-1964
• Founder- Arambam Samarendra
• Aim- To liberate Manipur from India and to form an independent socialist state of Manipur.
• It is distinct from the insurgent groups active in the state’s Naga-dominated and Kuki-Zomi dominated hills.
• Objective-
  • It 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.
• Manipur People’s Army- It is an armed wing formed in 1990 which has carried out attacks on India’s security force.
• 4 point proposal- In 2005, it mooted a proposal to bring the Indo-Manipur conflict to an end.

• Government’s response- The Central government didn’t accept the 4-point proposal by UNLF.
• Factions- UNLF split into 2 factions due to internal differences.
  • Khundongbam Pambei- Signed the peace agreement recently with the government.
  • NC Koireng- Remains opposed to talks.

What is the significance of the deal?

• Historic milestone- The pact marks a historic milestone, as it is the 1^st time a valley-based proscribed organization has engaged in peace negotiations since the eruption of ethnic violence in 2023.
• Establish peace- The UNLF, known for its armed struggle, has agreed to renounce violence and participate in the peaceful democratic process.
• Success of tripartite agreements- The tripartite accords initiated by the Centre since 2014 have led to surrendering and a substantial decline in violence in terms of security forces, civilian casualties and number of violent incidents.
• Rehabilitation- The agreement provides for the rehabilitation and re-settlement of UNLF's armed cadres.
• Institutional support- A Peace Monitoring Committee will oversee the enforcement of agreed ground rules.

What are the challenges?

• Multiple stakeholders- The peace agreement can be complex to implement due to multiplicity of stakeholders and their divergent interests and grievances.
• Unknown terms- The terms of the agreement are not known and the involvement of militants in the latest ethnic conflict may complicate the issue further.
• Opening up of issues- If criminal cases are withdrawn, then similar concessions have to be given on the other side to the Kuki militants who professedly are continuing with the Suspension of Operations agreement.
• Diverse demands- Each group has distinct historical grievances, aspirations and demands, making it hard to arrive at a resolution that satisfies all parties.
• Vulnerability- The fragility of peace agreements also lies in their vulnerability to disruptions caused by extremist factions or splinter groups within these communities.
• Distrust- Lack of trust in the government’s commitment to fulfil promises outlined in peace agreement undermines its effectiveness.
• Geopolitical factors- The reluctance of neighbouring countries to support peace processes or interference by external actors can destabilise the region.

What lies ahead?

• The UNLF Manipur Peace Pact represents hope for lasting peace, but the challenges need to be addressed.
• The road ahead requires commitment, transparency, and genuine reconciliation.

Quick facts

References

1. Indian Express- Why one pact is not peace
2. Indian Express- History of UNLF