Imphal, Jul 1 (PTI): Several cadres of a proscribed militant outfit, who had been staying at an unauthorised camp in Manipur’s Imphal West district, were relocated to a designated camp on Wednesday, officials said.
The 294 battalion of the United National Liberation Front (Pambei) based at Phayeng in Imphal West district has been shifted to a different location, officials said. The number of cadres relocated was not disclosed officially, though local people claimed that around 100 members of the UNLF lived in that camp. The Meitei outfit is the oldest Imphal valley-based armed group in the state which signed a peace agreement in 2023.
Personnel of state forces, including 10th Indian Reserve Battalion and 5th Manipur Rifles, have also been moved to Phayeng to provide security in the area, they said. The camp at Phayeng was established in 2023 after ethnic violence broke out in the state. In 2023 and 2024, Phayeng witnessed intense gunfights with militants from neighbouring Kuki Zo majority Kangpokpi district, leading to multiple deaths and injuries on both sides.
The relocation came a day after nearly 80 cadres of the same outfit were also moved from another unauthorised camp at Nongshum in Imphal East district.
However, it was also not declared where the militants were shifted. The outfit has at least one designated camp at Kakching Khunou in Kakching district. Meanwhile, several people at Phayeng and nearby areas expressed anxiety over the relocation, stating that the UNLF (P) camp had provided them with a sense of security and confidence.
Locals had previously appealed to the authorities to allow the UNLF(P) camp in Phayeng to ensure adequate security measures in the area.
UNLF(P) signed a peace pact with the Centre in 2023, but their cadres continue to be arrested for unlawful activities, including alleged involvement in extortion and sale of arms.
Ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities have left at least 260 people dead and thousands of residents homeless since May 2023.
Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mainly in the hill districts.
President’s rule was imposed in the state on February 13, 2025, after the BJP-led government headed by N Biren Singh resigned on February 9, following months of ethnic violence. It was revoked on February 4 this year, hours before the formation of a new state government with BJP leader Y Khemchand Singh as the chief minister.
