Peace pact possible with public support, cooperation: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 02 2023: Chief Minister N Biren expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support, cooperation, and encouragement extended by the people of Manipur, which he said played a pivotal role in facilitating the historic peace agreement signed on November 29, 2023, with the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) group led by Pambei.

The chief minister made these remarks during the reception ceremony held to welcome Pambei-led UNLF following the recent signing of the Peace Agreement with the governments of India and Manipur in New Delhi, at Kangla Kangjeibung, here, on Saturday.

Addressing the gathering, which also included family members of the UNLF cadres, Biren underscored the immense value of human lives and lamented the distressful losses suffered during the prolonged conflict.

He revealed that the arduous peace process, spanning three years, was meticulously navigated after extensive consultations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The CM highlighted that the peace process generated overwhelming approval, resonating positively with 99 per cent of the public.

Expressing sincere appreciation, Biren acknowledged the leaders, central committee, cadres, and MPA of the Pambei-led UNLF for embracing the Central government's proposal for peace.

In a broader appeal, he urged all outfits in the region to consider joining the peace process, assuring that the government stands ready to facilitate and mediate for any group desirous of engaging in peaceful dialogue.

Additionally, he appealed for refraining from issuing statements against the peace agreement and cautioned against the dissemination of unverified information through social media, emphasising the potential to disrupt the hard-earned peace in the society.

The CM also gave a heartfelt call for unity among the people of Manipur, acknowledging the historical divisions that have resulted in the loss of countless precious lives.

He implored the community to reflect on the value of sacrifice, emphasising the need to embrace forgiveness and moving forward with a collective spirit of forgetting past issues.

Biren emphasised the positive actions undertaken by the Central government, led by PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, such as the revocation of AFSPA and implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) .

He called upon different communities in the state to foster mutual respect, urging them to unite for rebuilding a resilient and cohesive Manipur.

He further clarified that the government s intent is not to oppose any community but to safeguard the interests of all.

Biren also said that a new chapter heralding peace and normalcy has begun in the state with the recent signing of a peace agreement.

The CM said, "I am really happy...a new chapter has begun to usher in peace and bring unity in Manipur" .

"I also urge people to extend the same effort, encouragement and support they provided to the UNLF for joining the peace talks, to other groups as well," he said.

The CM said precious lives of civilians, insurgents and police personnel have been lost in the decades-long insurgency in the state.

"Due to violence, several key people have lost their lives.

Because of the policy of previous governments that encouraged killings as the only solution instead of engag ing in peace talks, 2,000 valuable lives have been lost.

The life of every individual, be that of an insurgent, a civilian or a police personnel, is precious," he maintained.

While reiterating that '99 per cent of the people' of Manipur are happy with the signing of the deal, he urged the 'remaining one per cent' to be part of the celebrations and not criticise the pact.

"Instead of engaging in politics, let us encourage all to work for the welfare of both the country and the state," he said.

Acting chairman of the Pambei-led UNLF, Moirangthhem Nongyai, provided historical context by highlighting the establishment of the organisation on November 24, 1964, by people from various communities.

He narrated UNLF's principled stand against the non-democratic processes initiated by the Government of India in the 1990s, leading to embracing of armed resistance.

Nongyai clarified that the peace agreement signifies a progressive step forward, but is in now surrender, and stressed that the Government of India's acknowledgment of Manipur's sovereignty, predating the Merger Agreement, played a crucial role in reaching this historic accord.

He also informed that the organisation had made it clear to the Government of India that they will never compromise when it comes to the sovereignty of Manipur.

"The Indian government has recognised Manipur as a sovereign independent country and under this principle, we signed the peace agreement with the Government of India and the peace negotiations will continue" .

"We should never ever lay down our arms until the solution is there, " added the senior leader.

As part of the ceremony, leaders and cadres of the UNLF led by Pambei were felicitated, and symbolic gestures, including the release of pigeons carrying messages of peace, hope, and development, marked the occasion.

The gathering included Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Thokchom Satyabrata, cabinet ministers, MLAs, chief secretary, DGP, senior officers from Army, civil and police services.

Outfit's acting chairman Moirangthem Nongyai and general secretary Chabungbam Thanil, along with other leaders, intellectuals, eminent personalities, and representatives of CSOs and Meira Paibi groups, also attended the ceremony.

Around 550 cadres of the outfit, leaders and their family members were present at the reception programme.

The cadres in camouflage paraded and took out a rally at the Historic Kangla Fort.

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