Imphal: Today, the Manipur government extended a warm welcome to members of the state's oldest valley-based armed group that recently inked a peace deal. The government expressed optimism that more groups would follow suit, laying down arms to participate in the peace process in this strategically significant border state. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh led a ceremony and organized a mass lunch at the Kangla Palace grounds, the historical seat of power of the Manipur kingdom, located in the heart of the state capital, Imphal. During the event, each member of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) shook hands with Chief Minister Singh.

"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 ji. This is a major achievement," stated Mr. Singh.

The UNLF had been engaged in a guerrilla war for a sovereign Manipur, rejecting the merger of the pre-Independence Manipur kingdom with India. Similar to other valley-based banned organizations like the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the UNLF considered this merger illegal.

Ch Thanil, the general secretary of UNLF, expressed happiness about joining the peace process and committed to doing everything necessary for lasting stability. "We will engage in peaceful dialogue, and if an amicable solution is reached, we will sign the final deal. The present crisis is a very small matter. Actually, some people from outside have been behind this disturbance," Mr. Thanil explained, referring to recent ethnic clashes between the hill-majority Kuki tribes and the valley-majority Meiteis.

The descriptor "valley-based" for the UNLF indicates its origin in Imphal valley and other non-hill districts. Meanwhile, at least 25 hill-based insurgent groups are already covered under a tripartite peace deal known as the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.

In a post on X, Chief Minister Singh expressed his gratitude to UNLF, the government of India, and the people of Manipur for their unwavering support throughout this transformative journey. He stated, "Let this be a moment of renewed hope, where bridges are built, and relationships are strengthened."

Chief Minister Singh, who has faced criticism over Manipur violence and questions about maintaining law and order, sees the peace deal with UNLF as a significant achievement. It is considered a masterstroke by Mr. Singh and the BJP ahead of the 2024 general election, marking the first instance of a valley-based armed group agreeing to lay down arms and integrate into the mainstream.

Most of UNLF's bases were located in the dense jungles of Myanmar, just across the border with India. Experts note that Manipur has been undergoing rapid development in the past decade, and with major railway lines extending to the valley areas soon, the state is gradually moving away from its insurgency-ridden past. These factors are seen as contributors to the weakening of armed movements against India in this strategically vital border state, often referred to as India's only gateway to Southeast Asia.

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