The Manipur Government is on the verge of signing a historic peace
agreement with the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) based in the Imphal
Valley, divulged Chief Minister N Biren Singh on November 26.
It’s the first time a valley-based proscribed organization has entered
into peace negotiations with the government since the surfacing of ethnic
violence in the State on May 3.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh, speaking on the sidelines of the
Constitution Day celebration, expressed optimism about the move in the
negotiations, stating, “We are advancing, and we are expecting to sign a peace
accord with one big UG (underground organization) very shortly.”
Despite the significance of the announcement, the Chief Minister
refrained from disclosing further details about the ongoing negotiations at
this stage.
The breakthrough comes against the backdrop of numerous hill-based
underground organizations already under Suspension of Operations with the Central
Government.
Responding to questions about the recent cessation of operations by
newspapers and local TV channels in Imphal over the past three days, CM Biren
Singh, who became aware of the situation on November 25, assured that he has
sought a report from the CID department and is committed to addressing the
matter promptly.
The abrupt halt in media operations in the Imphal Valley has led to an
information blackout, with citizens eagerly awaiting updates on the unfolding
developments.
The ethnic clashes that erupted on May 3 have claimed over 180 lives,
triggered by a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ in the hill districts protesting
against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
NE Watch Desk
