UNLF found to be involved in violent activities and to have broken the ceasefire agreement in Manipur

In Manipur, the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) is breaking the ceasefire. According to officials on Sunday, security agencies are worried about the rising violence in Manipur even after the ceasefire agreement was signed.

On November 29, 2023, UNLF (P) signed a ceasefire agreement with the Imphal Valley government and committed to refraining from violence, making it the first Meitei armed group to do so. Reports, however, suggest that the group is encamping outside of Kuki-populated areas to hunt down tribal people. Cadres of the UNLF (P) have engaged in violent acts against law enforcement and the public.

According to officials, on February 13, the cadre stole weapons and ammunition from the 5th India Reserve Battalion in Chingarel, Manipur East. Six persons were detained by police following this incident, two of whom were UNLF cadres. On February 7, vehicles travelling towards Churachandpur, a district dominated by the Kuki community, were shot at by the UNLF (P) cadre at Moirangpurel.

UNLF (P) cadres were allegedly giving live updates on social media claiming to be targeting the Kuki community. The UNLF, established in 1964, has been active both within and outside Indian territory. Since 2014, the Center has signed agreements with several armed groups in the Northeast to end insurgency and promote development.