Manipur rebel group lays down weapons, signs peace agreement

NEW DELHI: Banned Meiti rebel group United National Liberation Front (UNLF) on Wednesday laid down its arms and signed a peace agreement, much to the relief of the central government, which has been blamed for the ethnic riots in Manipur.

The agreement was signed in the national capital in the presence of Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla and some members of the UNLF.

The peace agreement signed with the UNLF by the Centre and the Manipur government marks the end of a six-decade-long armed movement.

It is a landmark achievement in realising PM Narendra Modi's vision of all-inclusive development and providing a better future to the youth in Northeast India, Amit Shah said in a post on 'X'

Shah further said the relentless efforts of the Centre, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to establish permanent peace in the Northeast added a new chapter of fulfilment with the signing of the joint peace accord with the UNLF in the national capital on Thursday.

Shah took to his official handle on 'X' to share the news of the peace accord.

"A historic milestone achieved!!! Modi govt’s relentless efforts to establish permanent peace in the Northeast have added a new chapter of fulfilment as the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) signed a peace agreement today in New Delhi," Shah posted from his X handle.

"UNLF, the oldest valley-based armed group of Manipur has agreed to renounce violence and join the mainstream. I welcome them to the democratic processes and wish them all the best in their journey on the path of peace and progress," he added.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh also took to his official handle on 'X' to share the news of the peace accord.

“The oldest armed group of Manipur has chosen the path of peace, renouncing violence to join the mainstream and embrace democracy. The United National Liberation Front (UNLF) has signed a peace agreement in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in our relentless pursuit of permanent peace in the Northeast,” the Manipur Chief Minister posted from his X handle.

“The unwavering support and vision of Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi for a brighter and peaceful North-East has made this possible. May this collaborative effort contribute to a harmonious and prosperous future for Manipur and the entire region,” he added.

The UNLF and the government had started talks long before communal violence erupted in the state on May 3. This is the first time that a Meiti group has reached an agreement with the Centre. The Home Ministry recently extended the ban on separatist groups.