Interview/ N. Biren Singh/chief minister, Manipur
Q/ For how long have you been trying to get the United National Liberation Front to negotiate?
A/ We have been trying to bring all insurgent groups into the mainstream for quite a long time. In May 2017, the Manipur cabinet increased the monthly stipend of surrendered militants from Rs4,000 to Rs8,000. The one-time financial grant was increased from Rs2.5 lakh to Rs4 lakh. This would be kept as fixed deposit for three years.
On February 2018, we announced that a new comprehensive surrender policy would be launched the same year. The new policy was finalised with the Union government.
In February 2022, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced during his visit to Manipur that the Centre was ready to hold talks with insurgent groups in the state. The credit for bringing the UNLF to the table goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His people-centric approach and his commitment to bringing peace to the northeast have secured the confidence of insurgent groups. What has also been instrumental is Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s meticulous effort to bring the UNLF to the negotiation table.
Q/ Are you hopeful of more valley-based outfits following suit?
A/ With the UNLF opting for the route of peace, the ensuing progress, development and stability will definitely foster trust and confidence among other valley-based outfits to follow suit.
Q/ Is it a ceasefire and suspension of operations pact or a surrender? What are the implications?
A/ The details of the peace agreement shall remain confidential as of now. However, the implications are far-reaching. This is a huge step towards maintaining stability and peace in the region.
Q/ What made the UNLF a potent outfit?
A/ It is the oldest Meitei insurgent group in Manipur. It was formed in 1964 while its military wing was established in 1990 to launch an armed struggle against the Indian Union. Let us just say that the UNLF has had its fair share of violent attacks against the Central and paramilitary forces over the years.
Q/ Did the UNLF have a role in the current ethnic violence in Manipur?
A/ Prior to the recent unrest in the state, all the valley-based insurgent groups had been gradually flushed out from Manipur; their presence was significantly reduced. However, there were reports of some outfits becoming active again following the unrest.
Q/ There are reports of thousands of weapons missing from police armouries in Manipur. What is being done to recover them?
A/ More than 1,500 arms have been recovered so far. We are recovering more with concerted efforts by both the Central and state forces.
Q/ Has your government been able to bridge the ethnic divide in the state police?
A/ The Manipur Police is a well-trained and disciplined force that does not function on ethnic lines. There is no need for the state government to bridge any divide in the state police because no such divisions exist.
Q/ How many cadres have surrendered? Are there still some remnants within the country or outside?
A/ Since peace talks are an ongoing activity, details of the cadres and weapons surrendered will be disclosed to the public [later].
Q/ Is the ceasefire with both the Pambei and Koireng factions? Can you also confirm the news that Pambei is in Thailand?
A/ The peace agreement is with the UNLF and it will be a continuous activity.
Q/ Does the UNLF have any foreign bases or is it completely homegrown?
A/ Disclosing such details may not be appropriate as peace talks are under way.
Q/ Were there any negotiations held with UNLF leaders on foreign soil?
A/ Yes, we have talked with them on foreign soil and, as I said earlier, the details cannot be disclosed.
Q/ Compared with the longest-running insurgencies, like that of the Nagas, how significant is the UNLF pact in the backdrop of the broad canvas of northeast insurgency?
A/ The Naga insurgency received more media attention because it had entered into a ceasefire agreement with the Centre since the late 1990s. All these years, valley-based insurgent groups in Manipur, such as the UNLF, were adamant that they would not hold any talks with the Indian government. The insurgent groups, their ideologies and their functioning are as complex as the northeast itself. It may not be easy to study them in the simplified terms of ‘northeast insurgency’.
Q/ Do you see this deal having a positive impact on India’s Act East policy?
A/ Yes. This [takes us a] step closer towards fulfilling the prime minister’s vision of unlocking the northeast’s many hidden potentials with the Act East policy.
Q/ After having steadfastly refused to negotiate for several decades now, what do you think made the UNLF come to the table now?
A/ Under the prime minister’s esteemed leadership, there has been unparalleled growth and development. His dedication to fostering peace in the northeast, addressing issues with dignity, has resonated with the masses, winning their hearts and minds. The pervasive positivity emanating from the BJP government has even reached insurgent groups dissatisfied with the actions of past administrations.