Recently, a significant development took place in the northeastern state of Manipur. The Indian Government in concert with the Manipur Government signed a Peace Agreement with the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), one of the oldest insurgent groups of Manipur. Founded in 1964, UNLF is different from other insurgent organizations active in the Naga-dominated and Kuki-Zomi dominated hills of the state. It is classified among the seven “Meitei Extremist Organisations” banned under the Union government’s Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967. UNLF’s insurgency activities extend beyond Indian Territory and are known to operate from Myanmar’s Sagaing Region, Chin State, and Rakhine State.
Impact and Objectives of the Peace Agreement
The Peace Agreement seeks to initiate a new era of tranquility in Manipur and the North East region overall. Being a first-of-its-kind accord where an armed group from the Manipuri valley has pledged to forego violence, it sets a precedent for others to follow suit. The pact not only aims to end the long-standing clash between UNLF and security forces but also vows to address the deep-rooted community grievances. Additionally, it intends to inspire other valley-based armed groups to join the peace process. A Peace Monitoring Committee (PMC) will be established to ensure compliance with the agreed rules.
Other Insurgent Groups of Manipur and Suspension of Operations (SoO) Pact
That being said, UNLF is not the sole insurgent group in Manipur. Other groups include Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), and National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Khaplang (NSCN-K). Recognizing the broad spectrum of these insurgent entities, a trilateral Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact was signed in 2008 involving the Central government, the Manipur state, and Kuki-Zomi-based insurgent groups. The SoO pact upholds that both security forces and the underground militant groups will cease operations, and the effective implementation of this agreement is overseen by the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG).
Administrative Measures for Tackling Insurgency
Several administrative arrangements exist to mitigate the influence of these insurgent groups. The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) is at the forefront of planning, executing, and monitoring development schemes in the North Eastern Region. Measures like the Inner Line Permit (ILP) restrict the entry of outsiders in states like Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh to safeguard the indigenous identity of local people. Various autonomous districts have been created under Articles 244 (1) and 244 (2) of the Indian Constitution to cater to specific ethnic community demands.
The Peace Agreement: A Path towards Tranquility
The Peace Agreement between the Central government, Manipur government, and UNLF presents a major stride towards peace in the Northeast region. The accord opens a new chapter by re-integrating UNLF back into the mainstream society, sparking hope for conflict resolution. The Peace Monitoring Committee underscores the commitment to enforce the ground rules. Simultaneously, arrangements signed with other insurgent groups illustrate the ongoing efforts to address the regional complexities and boost developmental initiatives.
