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{{Short description|A Meitei Militant organization that aims for a sovereign Manipur}}
{{about|a separatist group in Manipur, India|the Paraguayan resistance group|United National Liberation Front (Paraguay)}}
{{about|a separatist group in Manipur, India|the Paraguayan resistance group|United National Liberation Front (Paraguay)}}
{{Distinguish|text=[[Unitary National Liberation Front]], a World War II political organization from the former Yugoslavia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox organisation
{{Infobox organisation
| name = United National Liberation Front of Manipur
| name = United National Liberation Front of Manipur
| image = UNLF-MPA.jpg
| image = Bandera UNLF.svg
| image_size = 1282×763px
| image_size = 200px
| caption = Banner of the United National Liberation Front
| caption = Banner of the United National Liberation Front
| founded = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1964|11|24}}
| founded = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1964|11|24}}
| leader_title = Chairman
| leader_title = Chairperson
| leader_name = Arambam Somorendra{{KIA}}<br>(1964-2000)<br>[[RK Meghen]]<br>(2000-2010)<br>Lanjingba Khundongbam<br>(2010-2023)
| leader_name = Khundongbam Pambei
| abbreviation = '''UNLF'''
| abbreviation = '''UNLF'''
| purpose = Sovereignty of Manipur
| purpose = Sovereignty of Manipur
| founder = Arambam Samendra<ref>{{Cite web|title=Manipur : A Degenerated Insurgency|url=https://usiofindia.org/publication/usi-journal/manipur-a-degenerated-insurgency/|access-date=2021-04-24|language=en-US}}</ref>
| founder = [[Arambam Somorendra]]<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Arambam |first=Lokendra |date=2000 |title=Arambam Somorendra (12 July 1935—10 June 2000) |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/23343284 |journal=Indian Literature |volume=44 |issue=4 (198) |pages=102–105 |jstor=23343284 |issn=0019-5804}}</ref>
| membership = 2,000 armed cadres (2005)
| membership = 2,000 armed cadres (2005)
10,000 Armed cadres 2023
| main_organ = MPA
| headquarters = [[Manipur]]
| main_organ = Ningtam Meira (journal)
| status = Banned by the [[Government of India]]
| headquarters = [[Manipur]]
| type = Armed Independence Group
| status = Banned by the [[Government of India]]
| formerly = <!---{{nowrap|'''')}}--->
| type = Armed Independence Group
| formerly = <!---{{nowrap|'''')}}--->
}}
}}


The '''United National Liberation Front''' (UNLF), also known as the '''United National Liberation Front : Manipur,'''<ref name="T–Nitin">{{cite journal |title=A life roughed–out in the jungle |url=http://archive.tehelka.com/story_main14.asp?filename=Ne100105A_life_roughed.asp |author=Nitin A. Gokhale |publisher=[[Tehelka]] |location=Hong Kong |date=1 October 2005 |access-date=22 June 2014 |journal=— |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304001603/http://archive.tehelka.com/story_main14.asp?filename=Ne100105A_life_roughed.asp |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> is the oldest [[insurgent]] group active in the state of [[Manipur]] in the [[Northeast India]] which aims at establishing a [[sovereignty|sovereign]] and [[socialist]] Manipur.
The '''United National Liberation Front''' (UNLF), also known as the '''United National Liberation Front of Manipur,'''<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Prabhakara |first=M. S. |date=2007 |title=Separatist Movements in the North-East: Rhetoric and Reality |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/4419298 |journal=Economic and Political Weekly |volume=42 |issue=9 |pages=728–730 |jstor=4419298 |issn=0012-9976|quote=Perhaps the oldest of this kind engaged in armed struggle in Manipur is the United National Liberation Front, though similar aspirations for the restoration or winning back through armed struggle of Manipur's lost sovereignty("the undemocratic and inequitable Merger agreement of October 15, 1949")..}}</ref><ref name="T–Nitin">{{cite web|title=A life roughed–out in the jungle |url=http://archive.tehelka.com/story_main14.asp?filename=Ne100105A_life_roughed.asp |author=Nitin A. Gokhale |publisher=[[Tehelka]] |location=Hong Kong |date=1 October 2005 |access-date=22 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304001603/http://archive.tehelka.com/story_main14.asp?filename=Ne100105A_life_roughed.asp |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Explained: Historic Manipur Peace Deal With UNLF, Oldest Valley Armed Group |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/unlf-decoded-manipurs-oldest-valley-armed-groups-farewell-to-arms-explained-4620490 |access-date=2023-12-01 |work=NDTV}}</ref> is a [[Separatism|separatist]] [[insurgent]] group active in the state of [[Manipur]] in [[Northeast India]] which aims at establishing a [[sovereignty|sovereign]] and [[socialist]] Manipur.


==Background==
==Background==
The United Nation Liberation Front's movement manifested as a result of several similar movements of the same political agenda. The outfit was founded on 24 November 1964<ref name="T–Nitin"/> with the following key personalities as its central committee members:
The United National Liberation Front's movement manifested as a result of several similar movements of the same political agenda. The outfit was founded on 24 November 1964<ref name="T–Nitin"/> with the following key personalities as its central committee members:


# Kalalung Kamei, President
# Kalalung Kamei, President
Line 35: Line 38:
==Ideology and Aim==
==Ideology and Aim==
{{Quote box|width=15em|align=right|quote=UNLF have nothing to demand from the [[Government of India]] but instead it is fighting to regain the lost sovereignty [of Manipur].|source=UNLF<ref name="Sify–28Sep"/>|salign=right}}
{{Quote box|width=15em|align=right|quote=UNLF have nothing to demand from the [[Government of India]] but instead it is fighting to regain the lost sovereignty [of Manipur].|source=UNLF<ref name="Sify–28Sep"/>|salign=right}}
The [[National Investigation Agency]] (NIA), in September 2012, acknowledged that "the activities carried out by the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) are for bringing [[sovereignty]] in the state of Manipur." The UNLF has viewed the statement as "a big political victory."<ref name="Sify–28Sep">{{cite news|title=UNLF activities are for bringing sovereignty in Manipur |url=http://www.samachar.com/unlf-activities-are-for-bring-sovereignty-in-manipur-nia-mj4ci8chggb.html |newspaper=[[Imphal Free Press]] |publisher=Sify |date=28 September 2012 |access-date=22 June 2014}}</ref>
The [[National Investigation Agency]] (NIA), in September 2012, acknowledged that "the activities carried out by the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) are for bringing sovereignty in the state of Manipur." The UNLF has viewed the statement as "a big political victory."<ref name="Sify–28Sep">{{cite news|title=UNLF activities are for bringing sovereignty in Manipur |url=http://www.samachar.com/unlf-activities-are-for-bring-sovereignty-in-manipur-nia-mj4ci8chggb.html |newspaper=[[Imphal Free Press]] |date=28 September 2012 |access-date=22 June 2014}}</ref>


The UNLF chairperson of that time, R. K. Meghan ''alias'' Sanayaima, has been charged for "waging war" against India by the NIA, but the UNLF leader has voiced that the UNLF does not view India or its [[army]] as enemies, and "the UNLF only resist the Indian armed forces stationed in Manipur and to resist those people who engaged in [[Colonialism|colonial]] [[Political repression|repression]]."<ref name="Sify–28Sep"/>
The UNLF chairperson, [[RK Meghen|R. K. Meghan ''alias'' Sanayaima]], has been charged for "waging war" against India by the NIA, but the UNLF leader has voiced that the UNLF does not view India or its army as enemies, and "the UNLF only resist the Indian armed forces stationed in Manipur and to resist those people who engaged in colonial repression."<ref name="Sify–28Sep"/>


Sanayaima believes that Manipur is "under [[martial law]]," and has questioned the character and worthiness of the elections that had been held in Manipur. He further believes that "the most [[democracy|democratic]] means to resolve [[Conflict (process)|conflict]] is [[plebiscite]]."<ref name="Sify–28Sep"/>
Sana Yaima believes that Manipur is "under martial law," and has questioned the character and worthiness of the elections that had been held in Manipur. He further believes that "the most democratic means to resolve conflict is [[plebiscite]]."<ref name="Sify–28Sep"/>


==Organisation==
==Organization==
The UNLF is one of the oldest insurgent organisation in the Northeast India. E. N. Rammohan, the former [[Director General]] of the [[Border Security Force]], once wrote, "Of the five major (Imphal) valley underground groups, the UNLF's ideology is by and large intact. The senior leadership is well educated and has good organisational control."<ref name="T–Nitin"/>
The UNLF is one of the oldest insurgent organizations in Northeast India. E. N. Rammohan, the former [[Director General|Director-General]] of the [[Border Security Force]], once wrote, "Of the five major (Imphal) valley underground groups, the UNLF's ideology is by and large intact. The senior leadership is well educated and has good organizational control."<ref name="T–Nitin"/>


{{infobox war faction
{{infobox war faction
| name = Manipur People's Army
| name = Manipur People's Army
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| war = [[Insurgency in Northeast India]]
| war = [[Insurgency in Northeast India]]
| image =
| image = [[File:Bandera UNLF.svg|200px]]
| caption = Flag of the Manipur People's Army
| caption = Flag of the Manipur People's Army
| active = 9 February 1987 – present <br><small>(armed since 1990)</small>
| active = 24 November 1964 – present <br><small>(armed since 1990)</small>
| ideology = [[Meitei nationalism|Manipur Nationalism]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=2004-08-12|title=United National Liberation Front|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/united-national-liberation-front/story-8DY8NY5tKPOFT6AbRQgbBJ.html|access-date=2021-04-24|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><br>[[Socialism|Socialist]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Official Home Page of the Indian Army|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/|access-date=2021-04-24|website=www.indianarmy.nic.in}}</ref><br>[[Separatism]]<br><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/insurgencies-of-the-northeast-explained-part-i/2370987/|title=Insurgencies of the Northeast explained (Part I)}}</ref>
| ideology = [[Meitei nationalism|Manipuri nationalism]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=2004-08-12|title=United National Liberation Front|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/united-national-liberation-front/story-8DY8NY5tKPOFT6AbRQgbBJ.html|access-date=2021-04-24|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><br>[[Socialism]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Official Home Page of the Indian Army|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/|access-date=2021-04-24|website=www.indianarmy.nic.in}}</ref><br>[[Separatism]]
| clans =
| headquarters = [[Manipur]]
| headquarters = [[Manipur]]
| area = [[Northeast India]]
| area = [[Northeast India]]
| size = 2,000
| size = 2,000
| opponents = {{flagicon|India}} [[India]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nia.gov.in/banned_org.aspx |title=NIA :: Banned Terrorist Organisations |access-date=2015-08-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110115355/http://www.nia.gov.in/banned_org.aspx |archive-date=10 January 2016 }}</ref><br>{{flagicon|Myanmar}} [[Myanmar]]
| predecessor =
| successor =
| allies =
| opponents = {{flagicon|India}} [[India]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nia.gov.in/banned_org.aspx |title=Archived copy |access-date=2015-08-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110115355/http://www.nia.gov.in/banned_org.aspx |archive-date=10 January 2016 }}</ref><br>{{flagicon|Myanmar}} [[Myanmar]]
| battles =
| url =
}}
}}


===Manipur People's Army===
===Manipur People's Army===
Manipur People's Army was formed on 9 February 1987 as an Army Wing of UNLF. In 1991, the UNLF picked up arms, and its first armed action against IOF carried on 15 December of 1991 at Lamdan on a CRPF Convoy. In 2005, the strength of the MPA was estimated to about 2,000 armed cadres.<ref name="T–Nitin"/> According to the UNLF, by 2005, the UNLF was engaged in battle against about 50,000 armed personnel from the [[Indian Army]], that are deployed against the organisation in the forest regions of Manipur.<ref name="T–Peace">{{cite magazine |title=Want peace? travel the roads not taken |url=http://archive.tehelka.com/story_main14.asp?filename=Ne100105Want_peace.asp |author=Nitin A. Gokhale |magazine=[[Tehelka]] |location=Hong Kong |date=1 October 2005 |access-date=23 June 2014}}</ref> The cadres of the group are drawn largely from the [[Meitei people|Meiteis]] and the [[Pangal]]s.
Manipur People's Army (MPA) was formed on 9 February 1987 as an Army Wing of UNLF. In 1991, the UNLF picked up arms, and its first armed action against IOF{{Clarify|date=November 2023}} was carried out on 15 December 1991 at Lamdan on a convoy of the [[Central Reserve Police Force]] (CRPF). In 2005, the MPA's strength was estimated to be about 2,000 armed cadres.<ref name="T–Nitin"/> According to the UNLF, by 2005, the UNLF was engaged in a battle against about 50,000 armed personnel from the Indian Army deployed against the organisation in the forest regions of Manipur.<ref name="T–Peace">{{cite magazine |title=Want peace? travel the roads not taken |url=http://archive.tehelka.com/story_main14.asp?filename=Ne100105Want_peace.asp |author=Nitin A. Gokhale |magazine=[[Tehelka]] |location=Hong Kong |date=1 October 2005 |access-date=23 June 2014}}</ref> The cadres of the group are drawn largely from the [[Meitei people|Meiteis]] and the [[Pangal people|Pangal]]s.


==Strategy and Tactics==
The territory inhabited by the Nagas, consisting of four districts of [[Manipur]], is the operating ground of [[Naga people|Naga]] groups such as the NSCNs, who are predominantly Christian. The Imphal valley, consisting of four districts, is the operating ground of Meitei/Pangal groups such as [[People's Liberation Army of Manipur|PLA]] and [[PREPAK]], who predominantly follow [[Vaishnav]] [[Hinduism]] and [[Sunni Islam]] respectively.
The UNLF is known to be heavily involved with Extortion, Arms Trading, and Income Generating Projects to finance their armed movements.{{citation needed|date=June 2014}} They have several organized training camps within the northeast sector of India and the neighbouring countries of Myanmar and Bangladesh.{{citation needed|date=June 2014}} Ningtam Meira is the primary media outlet they use to make publications.


===Four–point proposal to Indian government===
== Split of UNLF ==
The UNLF had put forward four [[condiciones sine quibus non]] before the government of India if it is willing to initiate dialogue and ink a peace accord with the organisation, which are:<ref name="T–Peace"/>
In May 2020, seven members of UNLF lead by one Major Nongdol made a written complaint with video evidence to the Chairman of UNLF against the then General Secretary of UNLF P Yaimachou @ Priyo for having illicit sexual relation with one Sergeant Tamyanganbi. The Chairman put up the matter at the Central Committee and proposed to punished Yaimachou for his violation of UNLF rules. But some Central Committee members influenced by Yaimachou tried a coup against the Chairman which had miserably failed.
#"A plebiscite under [[UN]] supervision to elicit the people's opinion on the core issue of restoration of Manipur's independence."
#"Deployment of a [[UN Peacekeeping Forces|UN peacekeeping force]] in Manipur to ensure free and fair process."
#"Surrender of arms by the UNLF to the UN force, matched by the withdrawal of Indian troops."
#"Handing over of [[political power]] by the UN in accordance with the results of the plebiscite."


==Arrest of chairperson==
The Chairman Khundongbam Pambei expelled Central Committee members Lancha, Chaoba, Chinglen, Yaimachou and some of their followers who took part in the attempted coup.
On 4 December 2010, Sanayaima was produced by the NIA, who claimed to have arrested Sanayaima from [[Motihari]] in [[Bihar]]; while, Sanayaima has proclaimed that he was abducted by the Bangladeshi agencies on 29 September 2010 and "handed over" to the agencies of India. Sanayaima has been booked by the NIA for "waging war against the Indian Union under section 120 (B) [[Indian Penal Code|IPC]], 121, 121 (A), 122 IPC and 16, 17, 18, 18 (A), 18 (B) & 20 [[Unlawful Activities Prevention Act]], 1967 as amended in 2008."<ref>{{cite news|title=Sanayaima to be produced in court |url=http://www.samachar.com/Sanayaima-to-be-produced-in-court-mixsONbhhai.html |newspaper=[[Imphal Free Press]] |date=22 August 2012 |access-date=22 June 2014}}</ref> After the arrest, he said that "in a multi-community region, the idea of peace cannot be achieved without considering the collateral damages of the secondary conflict that emerges out of the meaningless peace process."<ref name="Sify–8Nov"/>
{{Blockquote|The Indian government ploy in the so called peace process in 'Western South East Asia' (WESIA) [Indian northeast region] is aimed at transforming the conflict between the peoples of the region with the government of India into a conflict between the peoples on ethnic lines.| Sanayaima, in 2012<ref name="Sify–8Nov">{{cite news|title=India transforming conflict on ethnic lines |url=http://www.samachar.com/India-transforming-conflict-on-ethnic-lines-mloiMEifiei.html |newspaper=[[Imphal Free Press]] |date=8 November 2012 |access-date=22 June 2014}}</ref>}}


Drawing inspiration from the "charged political atmosphere" during the "[[Naxalbari uprising]]", he had dropped out of the higher studies at the [[Jadavpur University]] in Kolkata, and "picked up a gun and vanished into the forest" about 4 decades ago; and had remained underground since then.<ref name="T–Nitin"/>
== Controversies ==

Today, UNLF is still lead by Chairman Khundongbam Pambei but a group of expelled former members of UNLF like Lancha, Thabal, Iboyaima, Chinglen, Puyani are running an extortion gang using the name of UNLF.
==Controversies==
Civil rights activist Babloo Loitongbom, said that "there was an allegation that certain members of the UNLF had raped 20 women. We formed a multi-ethnic fact finding team to go to the place. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to go inside the camp, we were not given any medical evidence."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://barandbench.com/content/212/%E2%80%9Cif-you-go-hunting-be-ready-meet-tiger%E2%80%9D-%E2%80%93-human-rights-activist-and-scholar-babloo|publisher=BarandBench|title="If you go hunting, be ready to meet the tiger" — Human rights activist and scholar, BablooLoitongbam}}</ref>

==Peace Talk==
On 29 November 2023, the Pambei faction of UNLF signed a ceasefire agreement with the Government of India. The agreement was claimed as being "historic" as the UNLF is the first [[Meitei people|Meitei]] insurgent organization to sign such an agreement.<ref>[https://hindustantimes.com/india-news/centre-signs-peace-deal-with-unlf-oldest-insurgent-group-in-the-northeast-101701263444189.html Centre signs peace deal with UNLF, oldest insurgent group in the northeast], Neeraj Chauhan, November 29, 2023, [[The Hindustan Times]] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130064903/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/centre-signs-peace-deal-with-unlf-oldest-insurgent-group-in-the-northeast-101701263444189.html|date=November 30, 2023}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
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==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org About UNLF in the Global Security Website]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org About UNLF in the Global Security Website]
* [http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/manipur/terrorist_outfits/Unlf.htm Description of the UNLF in The South Asian Terrorist Portal]
* [http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/manipur/terrorist_outfits/Unlf.htm Description of the UNLF in The South Asian Terrorist Portal] the international India Jammu organizationsOrganizations


{{Terror outfits}}
{{Terror outfits}}
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[[Category:1964 establishments in Assam]]
[[Category:1964 establishments in Assam]]
[[Category:Organisations designated as terrorist by India]]
[[Category:Organisations designated as terrorist by India]]
[[Category:Organizations designated as terrorist in Asia]]
[[Category:Organizations based in Asia designated as terrorist]]
[[Category:Guerrilla organizations]]
[[Category:Guerrilla organizations]]
[[Category:Insurgency in Northeast India]]
[[Category:Insurgency in Northeast India]]
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[[Category:Secessionist organizations in Asia]]
[[Category:Secessionist organizations in Asia]]
[[Category:Volunteer organisations in India]]
[[Category:Volunteer organisations in India]]
[[Category:Ethnic armed organisations in Myanmar]]

Latest revision as of 12:58, 22 December 2024

United National Liberation Front of Manipur
AbbreviationUNLF
Founded24 November 1964; 60 years ago (1964-11-24)
FounderArambam Somorendra[1]
TypeArmed Independence Group
Legal statusBanned by the Government of India
PurposeSovereignty of Manipur
HeadquartersManipur
Membership2,000 armed cadres (2005) 10,000 Armed cadres 2023
Chairperson
Arambam Somorendra 
(1964-2000)
RK Meghen
(2000-2010)
Lanjingba Khundongbam
(2010-2023)
Main organ
Ningtam Meira (journal)

The United National Liberation Front (UNLF), also known as the United National Liberation Front of Manipur,[2][3][4] is a separatist insurgent group active in the state of Manipur in Northeast India which aims at establishing a sovereign and socialist Manipur.

Background

[edit]

The United National Liberation Front's movement manifested as a result of several similar movements of the same political agenda. The outfit was founded on 24 November 1964[3] with the following key personalities as its central committee members:

  1. Kalalung Kamei, President
  2. Thankhopao Singsit, Vice-President
  3. Arambam Samarendra, General Secretary
  4. Longjam Manimohan, Member
  5. Laishram Kanhai, Member
  6. Nongmeikapam Sanajaoba, Member
  7. Nongmaithem Pahari, Member

Ideology and Aim

[edit]

UNLF have nothing to demand from the Government of India but instead it is fighting to regain the lost sovereignty [of Manipur].

UNLF[5]

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), in September 2012, acknowledged that "the activities carried out by the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) are for bringing sovereignty in the state of Manipur." The UNLF has viewed the statement as "a big political victory."[5]

The UNLF chairperson, R. K. Meghan alias Sanayaima, has been charged for "waging war" against India by the NIA, but the UNLF leader has voiced that the UNLF does not view India or its army as enemies, and "the UNLF only resist the Indian armed forces stationed in Manipur and to resist those people who engaged in colonial repression."[5]

Sana Yaima believes that Manipur is "under martial law," and has questioned the character and worthiness of the elections that had been held in Manipur. He further believes that "the most democratic means to resolve conflict is plebiscite."[5]

Organization

[edit]

The UNLF is one of the oldest insurgent organizations in Northeast India. E. N. Rammohan, the former Director-General of the Border Security Force, once wrote, "Of the five major (Imphal) valley underground groups, the UNLF's ideology is by and large intact. The senior leadership is well educated and has good organizational control."[3]

Manipur People's Army
Dates of operation24 November 1964 – present
(armed since 1990)
HeadquartersManipur
Active regionsNortheast India
IdeologyManipuri nationalism[6]
Socialism[7]
Separatism
Size2,000
OpponentsIndia India[8]
Myanmar Myanmar
Battles and warsInsurgency in Northeast India

Manipur People's Army

[edit]

Manipur People's Army (MPA) was formed on 9 February 1987 as an Army Wing of UNLF. In 1991, the UNLF picked up arms, and its first armed action against IOF[clarification needed] was carried out on 15 December 1991 at Lamdan on a convoy of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). In 2005, the MPA's strength was estimated to be about 2,000 armed cadres.[3] According to the UNLF, by 2005, the UNLF was engaged in a battle against about 50,000 armed personnel from the Indian Army deployed against the organisation in the forest regions of Manipur.[9] The cadres of the group are drawn largely from the Meiteis and the Pangals.

Strategy and Tactics

[edit]

The UNLF is known to be heavily involved with Extortion, Arms Trading, and Income Generating Projects to finance their armed movements.[citation needed] They have several organized training camps within the northeast sector of India and the neighbouring countries of Myanmar and Bangladesh.[citation needed] Ningtam Meira is the primary media outlet they use to make publications.

Four–point proposal to Indian government

[edit]

The UNLF had put forward four condiciones sine quibus non before the government of India if it is willing to initiate dialogue and ink a peace accord with the organisation, which are:[9]

  1. "A plebiscite under UN supervision to elicit the people's opinion on the core issue of restoration of Manipur's independence."
  2. "Deployment of a UN peacekeeping force in Manipur to ensure free and fair process."
  3. "Surrender of arms by the UNLF to the UN force, matched by the withdrawal of Indian troops."
  4. "Handing over of political power by the UN in accordance with the results of the plebiscite."

Arrest of chairperson

[edit]

On 4 December 2010, Sanayaima was produced by the NIA, who claimed to have arrested Sanayaima from Motihari in Bihar; while, Sanayaima has proclaimed that he was abducted by the Bangladeshi agencies on 29 September 2010 and "handed over" to the agencies of India. Sanayaima has been booked by the NIA for "waging war against the Indian Union under section 120 (B) IPC, 121, 121 (A), 122 IPC and 16, 17, 18, 18 (A), 18 (B) & 20 Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967 as amended in 2008."[10] After the arrest, he said that "in a multi-community region, the idea of peace cannot be achieved without considering the collateral damages of the secondary conflict that emerges out of the meaningless peace process."[11]

The Indian government ploy in the so called peace process in 'Western South East Asia' (WESIA) [Indian northeast region] is aimed at transforming the conflict between the peoples of the region with the government of India into a conflict between the peoples on ethnic lines.

— Sanayaima, in 2012[11]

Drawing inspiration from the "charged political atmosphere" during the "Naxalbari uprising", he had dropped out of the higher studies at the Jadavpur University in Kolkata, and "picked up a gun and vanished into the forest" about 4 decades ago; and had remained underground since then.[3]

Controversies

[edit]

Civil rights activist Babloo Loitongbom, said that "there was an allegation that certain members of the UNLF had raped 20 women. We formed a multi-ethnic fact finding team to go to the place. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to go inside the camp, we were not given any medical evidence."[12]

Peace Talk

[edit]

On 29 November 2023, the Pambei faction of UNLF signed a ceasefire agreement with the Government of India. The agreement was claimed as being "historic" as the UNLF is the first Meitei insurgent organization to sign such an agreement.[13]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Arambam, Lokendra (2000). "Arambam Somorendra (12 July 1935—10 June 2000)". Indian Literature. 44 (4 (198)): 102–105. ISSN 0019-5804. JSTOR 23343284.
  2. ^ Prabhakara, M. S. (2007). "Separatist Movements in the North-East: Rhetoric and Reality". Economic and Political Weekly. 42 (9): 728–730. ISSN 0012-9976. JSTOR 4419298. Perhaps the oldest of this kind engaged in armed struggle in Manipur is the United National Liberation Front, though similar aspirations for the restoration or winning back through armed struggle of Manipur's lost sovereignty("the undemocratic and inequitable Merger agreement of October 15, 1949")..
  3. ^ a b c d e Nitin A. Gokhale (1 October 2005). "A life roughed–out in the jungle". Hong Kong: Tehelka. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 22 June 2014.
  4. ^ "Explained: Historic Manipur Peace Deal With UNLF, Oldest Valley Armed Group". NDTV. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  5. ^ a b c d "UNLF activities are for bringing sovereignty in Manipur". Imphal Free Press. 28 September 2012. Retrieved 22 June 2014.
  6. ^ "United National Liberation Front". Hindustan Times. 12 August 2004. Retrieved 24 April 2021.
  7. ^ "The Official Home Page of the Indian Army". www.indianarmy.nic.in. Retrieved 24 April 2021.
  8. ^ "NIA :: Banned Terrorist Organisations". Archived from the original on 10 January 2016. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
  9. ^ a b Nitin A. Gokhale (1 October 2005). "Want peace? travel the roads not taken". Tehelka. Hong Kong. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
  10. ^ "Sanayaima to be produced in court". Imphal Free Press. 22 August 2012. Retrieved 22 June 2014.
  11. ^ a b "India transforming conflict on ethnic lines". Imphal Free Press. 8 November 2012. Retrieved 22 June 2014.
  12. ^ ""If you go hunting, be ready to meet the tiger" — Human rights activist and scholar, BablooLoitongbam". BarandBench.
  13. ^ Centre signs peace deal with UNLF, oldest insurgent group in the northeast, Neeraj Chauhan, November 29, 2023, The Hindustan Times Archived November 30, 2023, at the Wayback Machine
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