Shifting focus: UNLF members given a grand reception by Manipur govt
mphal, Dec 2 : Manipur government organised a grand reception for leaders and cadres of United National Liberation Front (UNLF) at Kangla here on Saturday.
To celebrate the signing of peace agreement between the government of India and UNLF, doves were released by Chief Minister N Biren, Leishemba Sanajaoba, MP, Moirangthem Nongyai, Acting Chairman of UNLF, Chongtham Thanil, Gen Secy, UNLF.
Moirangthem Nongyai, Acting Chairman of UNLF, addressing the mammoth gathering, attended by members of the UNLF Central Committee and about 550 of its officers and cadres. said a peace agreement was signed between the government of Indi and UNLF on November 29 in New Delhi after fulfilling certain conditions.
He said the issue of sovereignty will not be compromised at any cost and until a final agreement was signed arms will not be laid down.
The acting Chairman said during the 60 years of UNLF’s journey after its establishment on November 24, 1964 the organisation has been waging different form of strategies based on an inclusive policy by involving all communities like Meitei, Kuki and Naga.
It was in 1990 that the UNLF started an armed rebellion by forming the Manipur People’s Army (MPA) to fight for Manipur’s sovereignty, he said. Besides taking up arms, the UNLF also took up a social reform movement to cleanse the society from all evils, he said.
He said people should not construe that the UNLF has laid down arms, only a peace process has started . He added that Manipur Chief Minister N Biren facilitated the talks.
Chongtham Thanil, General Secretary said he had already identified his own grave at Myanmar as he had decided not to return until sovereignty was restored. However, after series of negotiations which went on for over two years it was decided by the Central Committee to start a peace process he said. He said UNLF represents entire Manipur and people of all communities are its cadres, he said.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh said a new chapter heralding return of peace has been opened by the Grace of the Almighty and the people of Manipur. He appealed to other militant organizations to come forward for peace talks. People of Manipur have seen violence, needless killings and it is time to end the vicious cycle of violence .
The founders of UNLF included a Naga, Kalalang Kamei of Thanagong Village, Tamenglong District, Thangkhopao Singsit (Khongsai), Jalenphai Village of Kangpokpi , Arambam Somarendra (Meitei, Meino Leirak Sagolband
Pan Manipuri Youth League (PANMYL) was formed in the late 1960s as a frontal organisation of UNLF and started journals like ‘Lamyanba Pakhang’. ‘Chingkheihunba’. ‘Resistance’, etc.
Armed wing of UNLF christened Manipur People’s Army (MPA) was formed on 9 February 1987 and armed struggle began in early 1990s The UNLF had been instrumental in establishing alliances like the Indo-Burma Revolutionary Front(IBRF), Manipur People’s Liberation Front(MPLF), Coordination Committee (CorCom), etc.
The UNLF has seen factionalism in 1968, in the 1990s and recently in 2020 . The group which inked the agreement was led by Chairman Khundongbam Pambei .
