Imphal : Welcoming insurgents of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), one of the oldest armed group in Manipur, which had recently signed a peace agreement with the centre, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has appealed to other insurgent outfits to come forward for peace talks.
On Saturday, Chief Minister Singh led a ceremony and organised a mass lunch at the Kangla Palace grounds, the historical seat of power of the Manipur kingdom, located in Manipur’s capital, Imphal.
“The signing of the peace agreement unfolded a new chapter in Manipur’s journey, guided by the vision and determination of the people of the State,” th Chief Minister, who also shook hands with every UNLF insurgents, said.
Expressing immense joy and extending a heartfelt welcome to the UNLF, Singh said, “The successful signing of the Peace Agreement with the Govt. Of India & the Govt. Of Manipur marks a historic moment in our collective journey towards peace & prosperity.”
Singh said a new chapter heralding return of peace has been opened by the Grace of the Almighty and the people of Manipur.
Appealing other militant outfits to come forward for peace talks, the Chief Minister said, “People of Manipur have seen violence, needless killings and it is time to end the vicious cycle of violence.” “We are looking forward to other valley-based groups joining the peace process, bringing a solution towards peace in Manipur. The UNLF, a 60-year-old organization that never agreed to talk, has now reposed faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is a major achievement,” Singh said.
To celebrate signing of peace agreement between the government of India and UNLF doves were released by Chief Minister Singh , Lone Manipur Rajya Sabha member, Leishemba Sanajaoba, MP, UNLF acting Chairman and General Secretary Moirangthem Nongyai and Chongtham Thanil.
Addressing the gathering, the acting Chairman of UNLF, Moirangthem Nongya said the peace agreement was signed between the government of Indi and UNLF on November 29 last in New Delhi after fulfilling certain conditions.
Nongya, however said the issue of sovereignty will not be compromise at any cost, until a final agreement during the bilateral talks between government of India and UNLF arms will not be laid down. Stating that people should not construe that the UNLF has laid down arms, only a peace process has started, the UNLF chairman credited Chief Minister N Biren Singh for facilitating the peace talks.
Nongya said that arms will not be laid down until a final resolution is reached.
The UNLF was formed in November 24, 1964 under the leadership of Areambam Samrendra Singh with an aim to achieve independence and a socialist society.
In the 70s and the 80s, the militant group concentrated mainly on mobilisation and recruitment.
In 1990, the UNLF launched an armed struggle for the ‘liberation’ of Manipur from India. In the same year, it formed an armed wing called MPA.
