From Conflict to Harmony: A remarkable turn of events, the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), a banned armed group in Manipur, has taken a significant step towards peace by signing a historic accord. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced this groundbreaking development, marking the end of a six-decade-long armed movement in the northeastern state.
Amit Shah expressed his optimism, stating, "A historic milestone achieved," as he welcomed UNLF's decision to renounce violence and join the mainstream. The peace agreement, signed in Delhi, is not just a momentous occasion for Manipur but also aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of inclusive development in the region.
The Union Home Ministry emphasized that this agreement is unprecedented, as it is the first time a valley-based Manipuri armed group has chosen to return to the mainstream, pledging allegiance to the Constitution of India and the laws of the land. The move is expected to usher in a new era of peace not only in Manipur but in the entire Northeast.
The recent ban on several Meitei extremist organizations, including UNLF and its armed wing, the Manipur Peoples’ Army (MPA), was a crucial decision made by the Union Home Ministry in response to escalating violence in the state. The move was part of the government's relentless efforts to establish lasting peace in the Northeast.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh had hinted at ongoing talks with an insurgent group in the Imphal Valley, expressing confidence in reaching a peace accord soon. With UNLF officially renouncing violence, the chief minister's vision for peace in the region seems to be materializing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received congratulations from Chief Minister Biren Singh for this achievement. Singh commended the UNLF for choosing the path of peace and encouraged other militant groups in the state to follow suit.
The backdrop of this peace agreement is a series of ethnic clashes that have plagued Manipur since May 3. The violence erupted following a 'Tribal Solidarity March' protesting the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. With over 180 lives lost, the state faced a challenging period.
To address the situation, the Centre established 'The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal' under Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi to adjudicate the ban on nine Meitei Extremist Organizations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
As Manipur transitions from conflict to harmony, the signing of this peace accord not only marks a pivotal moment in the state's history but also offers hope for a more peaceful and prosperous future in the Northeast. The commitment to peace by UNLF sets a positive precedent for other groups, and with the support of the government, the region can look forward to a brighter tomorrow.
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