Why is it in the News?

The Union and Manipur governments have signed a peace agreement with the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), a banned Meitei extremist organisation which is also the oldest armed group based in the Manipur valley, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Wednesday.

News Summary:

• Manipur's oldest valley-based armed group UNLF that has been fighting for a sovereign land following the post-independence merger of the erstwhile kingdom with India has now signed a tripartite peace deal with Centre and the Manipur Govt.
• It is a significant step towards lasting peace in Manipur, which shares a long border with junta-ruled Myanmar and serves as India's main surface transport gateway to Southeast Asia, thus playing a key role in national security.
• The Centre in the announcement of the peace agreement described the UNLF as a "valley-based" armed group to indicate its origins in the state capital Imphal Valley and other districts not classified as hill areas.
• Similarly, at least 25 hill-based insurgent groups are already under a tripartite peace deal called the suspension of operations (SoO) agreement.

Key Highlights of the Peace Deal:

• While the details of the deal haven't been disclosed publicly, experts indicate that the current agreement predominantly revolves around the suspension of operations (SoO).
• This means that both the UNLF and security forces will refrain from engaging in operations against each other.
• In the upcoming stages, specific areas will be designated to establish camps for UNLF within the valley.
• In these camps, UNLF members will reside alongside their arms and ammunition, all supervised by the Manipur government and armed forces.
• The discussions for a comprehensive peace accord between the government and UNLF will persist, with the focus on advancing after the successful implementation of the SoO arrangements.

What is the United National Liberation Front (UNLF)?

• Formation: The UNLF was formed in November 1964 by Khalanlang Kamei as president, Thangkhopao Singsit as vice president, and A Somarendro Singh as general secretary.
• It set up its armed wing the Manipur Peoples' Army (MPA) in February 1990.
• Objectives: The UNLF favoured a long-term program to secede from India under the leadership of Arembam Samarendra Singh, form an 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.
• Personnel And Weapons: The UNLF split into two factions due to internal differences.
• Jointly, the two factions are estimated to have 400-500 personnel with over 500 weapons of mixed types.
• Links With Other Valley-Based Armed Groups: The UNLF was a constituent of the Coordination Committee, known as CorCom, which is an umbrella body of earlier six and currently four groups - RPF/PLA, PREPAK, and PREPAK/PRO.
• The UNLF is an "unlawful association" under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
• The UNLF had been carrying out its activities, including violence and propaganda jointly in consultation with the other constituents of CorCom.
• The close association of these constituents was one of the reasons for valley-based armed groups not responding to offers of coming overground and joining the mainstream.
• Areas Of Operation: All valley districts of Manipur - Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Jiribam, and Kakching, and some Kuki and Vapiphei-dominated villages in the hill districts of Manipur.
• The UNLF's camps, training centers, hideouts, and safehouses are in the Sagaing region of Chin State and Rakhine State in Myanmar.
• The UNLF had been able to operate freely within Myanmar allegedly due to its close links with officials of the Myanmar military.
• Linkages and Front Organisations: The UNLF, being the oldest valley-based armed group, had wielded a significant influence on public issues.
• Most of the impact was through the front organisations that it used to mobilise public protests on key matters.
• Return To Mainstream: The senior leaders of the UNLF responded favourably to the Centre's offer to join the mainstream for the first time in 2020.
• More than 400 personnel with an equal number of weapons joined the peace process, which will have a significant impact on the security scenario of Manipur and the northeast region.

Insurgency in Manipur:

• Manipur is currently experiencing an armed conflict between India and various separatist rebel groups.
• This insurgency is a part of the broader Insurgency in Northeast India, encompassing aspects of both a national liberation war and an ethnic conflict.
• Historical Background of Manipur: Post the brief Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, the Kingdom of Manipur came under British rule and became a British protectorate.
• In October 1949, Manipur joined India and achieved separate statehood in 1972.
• Rise of Insurgency: Manipur's integration into India led to the emergence of several insurgent organizations advocating for an independent state within Manipur's borders, rejecting the merger with India as involuntary.
• The insurgency issue arose in the late 1960s and 1970s, contrasting with the peaceful merger period.
• The United National Liberation Front (UNLF), the first separatist faction, was established in November 1964.
• Currently, the region faces challenges from multiple insurgent groups.

What are the Factors Behind the Rise of Insurgency in Manipur?

• Forced Merger with India: The roots of separatist insurgency in Manipur can be traced to perceived discontent arising from the alleged "forced" merger of Manipur with the Union of India.
• The delay in granting full-fledged statehood further fueled dissatisfaction.
• Despite merging in 1949, Manipur attained statehood only in 1972.
• Rise of Militancy: Subsequent years witnessed the formation of various militant groups, including the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), and Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL). These valley-based outfits advocate for an independent Manipur.
• Ethnic Conflict: Despite the hills comprising nine-tenths of Manipur's geographical area, they are sparsely populated.
• The majority of the state's population resides in the valley, with the Meitei community dominating.
• While the surrounding hill districts are inhabited by Nagas and Kukis.
• Ethnic clashes between Nagas and Kukis in the early 1990s led to the formation of several Kuki insurgent groups.
• Over time, their demand shifted from a separate Kuki state to a Territorial Council.
• This conflict's continuation gave rise to smaller outfits like the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), People’s United Liberation Front (PULF), and other splinter groups.
• Greater Nagalim Demand: The Nagalim or Greater Nagaland demand encompasses Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, while the Meitis strive to preserve the historical integrity of a single geographic entity that has endured for centuries.
• Insufficient Socio-Economic Progress: Due to its challenging topography, the state has faced persistent challenges in achieving economic development and socio-economic transformation.
• Throughout the years, persistent corruption, fund mismanagement, and the neglect to empower the general populace have contributed to a growing sense of discontent.

What are the Steps Taken by the Government?

Military Measures:

• AFSPA Implementation: In 1980, the entire Manipur was declared a "disturbed area," prompting the imposition of the contentious Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
• This act, aimed at suppressing insurgency, remains in effect to date.
• Operation All Clear: The Assam Rifles and the army executed "Operation All Clear" in the hill areas, neutralizing many militant hideouts.
• However, some relocated to the valley.

Ceasefire Arrangements:

• In 1997, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-IM (Isak-Muivah) initiated a ceasefire agreement with the Government of India, and ongoing peace talks persisted.
• Kuki Outfits: Under the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF), Kuki outfits signed tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) pacts with the Governments of India and Manipur on August 22, 2008.
• Some smaller outfits have entered SoO agreements with the state government, leading to rehabilitation programs.
• Valley-Based Militant Outfits: Significant valley-based militant groups like UNLF, PLA, and KYKL, among others, have not yet participated in negotiations with the government.

What is the Current Situation?

• One faction of the UNLF, led by Koireng, remains resistant to engaging in talks.
• Withdrawal from Suspension of Operations (SoO): In 2008, a tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement involving the Centre, Manipur state, and Kuki-Zomi insurgent groups was established.
• The primary goal was to facilitate political dialogue. However, in March 2023, the Manipur government withdrew from the agreement with the Zomi Revolutionary Army and the Kuki National Army.
• The decision was attributed to their alleged influence in fostering agitation among forest encroachers.

Way Forward

• Effective Border Management: Prior to implementing any counter-insurgency policies or operations, proper management of the Indo-Myanmar international border is imperative.
• Promoting Economic Development: Following good governance, economic development should be pursued through participation from government, semi-government, and private entrepreneurship.
• Establishing Good Governance: Instituting good governance in the state necessitates a transparent government, a fair judiciary system, adherence to the rule of law, and ensuring basic amenities like hospitals, schools, and police stations.
• Political sincerity and equitable fund distribution for both valley and hill development are crucial.
• Community Engagement: Enhancing connectivity and interaction among Manipur's diverse communities and mainland India is vital for fostering national integration.
• Utilizing Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), women's associations and cultural programs can play a significant role in rebuilding confidence among the valley and hill populations.