After the Peace Agreement was signed between the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), a Meitei insurgent group, and the Governments of India and Manipur, the Centre has reported a significant development. Approximately 25 leaders and cadres of the National Revolutionary Front Manipur (NRFM), another Meitei underground outfit, joined UNLF. This move was accompanied by the transfer of 25 weapons to UNLF, signaling a notable shift in the dynamics of the peace process in Manipur.

“Following the recent signing of a peace agreement between UNLF, the Government of Manipur, and government of India on November 29, around 25 leaders/cadres of National Revolutionary Front Manipur (NRFM- a Meitei UG outfit), led by Major Boicha (Vice Chief of Army Staff of NRFM), along with 25 weapons have joined UNLF on 02nd December 2023. With this, most of the outfit’s members have taken a step towards abjuring the path of violence. The development is likely to give momentum to efforts of the government of India to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur,” an official said.

 “Notably, NRFM (earlier United Revolutionary Front) was formed on September 11, 2011, by cadres of three factions of KCP, a Meitei UG outfit. Its senior leaders operated from bases in a neighbouring country and were involved in violence and extortion in various parts of the Manipur Valley. The development is likely to encourage other Meitei UG outfits to join the peace process and democratically pursue their demands besides giving a boost to fulfill Modi government’s vision of ‘Insurgency free and prosperous North East’,” the official said.

Thokchom Sidaba, the Chief of Army Staff Charge of the Pambei-led UNLF, reportedly extended a welcome to the cadres of NRFM (National Revolutionary Front Manipur). He expressed appreciation for their trust in UNLF's recent shift towards advocating Manipur's sovereignty. Sidaba urged other groups sharing similar ideologies to join hands in the revolutionary movement.

Major Boicha from NRFM, now part of UNLF-P, stated that they joined the outfit in response to the public's call for unity amid perceived threats to the state. This reflects a collective acknowledgment within NRFM of the need for solidarity in the current circumstances.

Image source: Indian Express