Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism. Role of External State and Non-state Actors in creating challenges to Internal Security.
Context
The central government and the government of Manipur recently entered into a peace agreement with the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), which is the most established armed group in the valley region of Manipur.
History of conflicts in Manipur:
- Manipur has been at the center of some of India’s oldest insurgent movements.
- The Naga movement, which began in the 1950s, is the longest-running insurgency in the country. It advocates for the creation of a Greater Nagaland or Nagalim.
- Kuki groups have also been in conflict with the Indian government, fighting for an ‘independent Kuki homeland’ that spans across Manipur.
- The Kuki insurgency gained traction following ethnic clashes with the Nagas of Manipur in the early 1990s.
- The Meiteis in Manipur have also expressed opposition to the merger agreement between the Manipuri king and the Indian government in 1949.
- In 1964, the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), a Meitei insurgent group, was established with the aim of seceding from India.
- Following this, several Meitei insurgent groups (also known as valley insurgent groups) such as the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were formed.
Major ethnic conflicts in Manipur:
- Naga-Kuki Clash
- The Kukis claim certain lands in the hills of Manipur as their ‘homeland’, which overlaps with the Greater Nagaland or Nagalim.
- The NSCN-IM entered a ceasefire agreement with the Indian government only in 1997.
- Kuki-Zomi Conflict
- In 1993, a massacre of Kukis by the NSCN-IM resulted in thousands of Kukis becoming homeless.
- The Kuki-Zomi tribes organized various armed groups in response to this aggression by the Nagas.
- Meiteis and Meitei Pangals (Muslims) Conflict
- There were similar clashes occurring between the Meiteis and Meitei Pangals (Muslims).
- This led to the formation of the Islamist group People’s United Liberation Front, which is no longer active.
History of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF):
- Establishment
- The UNLF, Manipur’s oldest militant group, was established in 1964.
- It is dominated by the Meitei community and is one of the seven “Meitei Extremist Organisations” banned by the Union government under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
- The founder of the UNLF was Arambam Samarendra.
- Aim and Objective
- The UNLF aims to liberate Manipur from India and form an independent socialist state of Manipur. It is distinct from the insurgent groups active in the state’s Naga-dominated and Kuki-Zomi dominated hills.
- The UNLF favours a long-term programme to secede from India, form an alliance mainly with China, and gradually capture political power with the help of an indoctrinated young population and the intelligentsia.
- It also aims at reclaiming the Kabow Valley in Myanmar.
- Manipur People’s Army
- The Manipur People’s Army, an armed wing formed in 1990, has carried out attacks on India’s security forces.
- 4 Point Proposal: In 2005, the UNLF mooted a proposal to bring the Indo-Manipur conflict to an end. The proposal included:
- Conducting a plebiscite under United Nations (UN) supervision to elicit the opinion of the people of the State on the core issue of restoration of Manipur’s independence.
- Deploying a UN peacekeeping force in Manipur to ensure that the process is free and fair.
- Surrendering arms to the UN force by the UNLF, matched by the withdrawal of Indian troops.
- Handing over of political power by the UN in accordance with the results of the plebiscite.
- However, the Central government did not accept the 4-point proposal by the UNLF.
- Factions
- One faction, led by Khundongbam Pambei, recently signed a peace agreement with the government.
- The other faction, led by NC Koireng, remains opposed to talks.
Significance of the Accord:
- Historic Milestone: The pact represents a significant milestone in history, as it’s the first instance of a valley-based proscribed organization engaging in peace negotiations since the outbreak of ethnic violence in 2023.
- Establishing Peace: The UNLF, which was known for its armed struggle, has agreed to abandon violence and participate in the peaceful democratic process.
- Tripartite Agreements’ Success: The tripartite accords initiated by the Centre since 2014 have resulted in surrenders and a substantial decrease in violence, as evidenced by the reduction in security forces, civilian casualties, and the number of violent incidents.
- Rehabilitation: The agreement includes provisions for the rehabilitation and resettlement of the UNLF’s armed cadres.
- Institutional Support: A Peace Monitoring Committee will be established to oversee the enforcement of the agreed-upon ground rules.
Issues and challenges:
- Multiplicity of Stakeholders: The implementation of the peace agreement can be complex due to the multiplicity of stakeholders, each with their own divergent interests and grievances.
- Unknown Terms: The terms of the agreement are not publicly known, and the involvement of militants in the recent ethnic conflict may further complicate matters.
- Opening Up of Issues: If criminal cases are withdrawn as part of the agreement, similar concessions may need to be extended to the Kuki militants who are reportedly still adhering to the Suspension of Operations agreement.
- Diverse Demands: Each group involved has distinct historical grievances, aspirations, and demands, making it challenging to arrive at a resolution that satisfies all parties.
- Vulnerability: The fragility of peace agreements also lies in their vulnerability to disruptions caused by extremist factions or splinter groups within these communities.
- Distrust: A lack of trust in the government’s commitment to fulfill the promises outlined in the peace agreement can undermine its effectiveness.
- Geopolitical Factors: The reluctance of neighbouring countries to support peace processes or interference by external actors can destabilise the region.
Way forward:
- The UNLF Manipur Peace Pact symbolizes a beacon of hope for enduring peace, yet the hurdles that lie ahead must be tackled.
- The journey forward demands dedication, openness, and sincere reconciliation.
The Peace Agreement, which includes the Central government, Manipur governments, and the UNLF, is a pivotal move towards tranquility in Manipur and the broader North East region. This momentous pact signifies the UNLF’s reintegration into mainstream society, kindling optimism for the resolution of long-standing issues. The establishment of the Peace Monitoring Committee underscores the commitment to uphold agreed-upon rules, while analogous arrangements with other insurgent factions indicate the ongoing endeavors to navigate regional intricacies and stimulate progress.
Source: Indian Express
Practice Question
Critically examine the strategies that the government can employ to address and alleviate the intricate internal security challenges in Northeast India. Consider factors such as insurgency, ethnic tensions, and border disputes in your analysis. Discuss how these strategies can ensure long-term stability and development in the region. (Answer in 250 words)