Civil society organizations (CSOs) have raised fervent objections to the purported arrest of three cadres affiliated with the Pambei-led United National Liberation Front (UNLF-P). Demanding their unconditional release, the organizations have issued a stern ultimatum, warning of intensified agitation if the detainees are not freed by tomorrow’s noon deadline. The president of the Federation of Civil Society Organisation (FOCS), Th Manihar, expressed deep dismay over the reported apprehension of the UNLF-P cadres by the National Investigating Agency (NIA). Highlighting UNLF’s commitment to engaging in peace negotiations with the Government of India, Manihar deemed the arrests as unjustifiable and counterproductive to the ongoing peace process.
Questioning the legality of arresting individuals involved in peace talks, Manihar underscored the pivotal role played by UNLF in safeguarding Manipur’s territorial integrity, particularly amidst challenges posed by illegal Kuki immigrants. He demanded the immediate release of the detained cadres before the stipulated deadline, condemning any attempts to thwart the peace-building efforts initiated by UNLF. Several prominent organizations, including the All Manipur Students’ Union, Universal Mothers’ Organisation, Manipuri Women’s Federation, Indigenous People’s Organisation, Manipur Keithel Nupi Marup, Yelhoume Kanba Lup, and World Meetei Organisations, echoed FOCS’s sentiments during a joint press briefing.
The joint statement emphasized the integral role of UNLF-P in protecting Manipur’s sovereignty and reiterated the urgency of their release to uphold the spirit of ongoing peace negotiations. The apprehension of key UNLF-P figures, including the self-styled chief of the group’s army, Th Thoiba, and lieutenant colonel Laimayum Ingba, has sparked heightened security measures in Imphal West and Imphal East districts.