Manipur: Peace agreement with UNLF possible with support of people, says CM Biren Singh

The signing of the peace agreement on November 29, 2023 has been made possible with the support, cooperation and encouragement of the people of Manipur, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said today at Kangla, Imphal, during the reception ceremony of United National Liberation Front pursuant to signing of Peace Agreement with the Government of India and Government of Manipur.

According to a state government press release, addressing the reception ceremony which was also attended by family members of the UNLF cadres, the Chief Minister said that human lives are very precious and we have lost many lives. 

The process for signing the peace agreement under the guidance and advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Home Minister Amit Shah took around 3 years, he added.

N. Biren Singh also expressed gratitude to the leaders, Central Committee, cadres and MPA of UNLF for accepting the Central government’s proposal for peace.

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Urging all outfits of the region to enter the peace process, the Chief Minister said he is ready to work as the facilitator for any outfit desiring to enter the peace process.

N. Biren Singh also appealed against spreading misinformation through social media without proper verification which could disturb the peace in the society.

To the people of the State, N. Biren Singh urged them to be united.

"We have been living divided for a long and lost many precious lives due to the division. Let us learn to sacrifice, the Chief Minister said reiterating his earlier call for people to forgive and forget," added the CM.

He continued that the people of Manipur should also acknowledge the actions of the Centre under PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in lifting the AFSPA and implementing the ILP in Manipur.

Speaking of the peace agreement, N. Biren Singh urged the people to encourage each other. 

The government is not against any community residing together in the State, the Chief Minister said, adding that the government is only trying to protect the communities.

As part of the ceremony, the cadres of the UNLF were also feted and pigeons were released carrying the message of peace, hope and development.

The ceremony was also attended by Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, cabinet ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary, DGP, Army, civil and police officers, leaders of the UNLF Acting Chairman MoirangthemNongyai, General Secretary Chabungbam Thanil, intellectuals, eminent personalities, among others.