In a grand reception held at historic Kangla fort in Imphal West on Saturday, a large number of cadres of Pambei-led UNLF were received by chief minister N Biren Singh along with his cabinet colleagues and top officials of Army and Assam Rifles.
The function was attended by more than cadres of the Pambei-led UNLF and many of their family members.
As a part of the ceremony, the cadres of the outfit were also feted while pigeons were released carrying the message of peace, hope and development.
Acting chairman of the outfit Moirangthem Nongyai said, the government of India has formally assured of talking about the sovereignty of Manipur.
“Also, the Government of India has accepted the fact that Manipur was once a sovereign state. Since the Indian government has accepted these points, the UNLF has decided to sign the ceasefire agreement,” he said.
“We are not surrendering our weapons. So, do not think that we have sold away Manipur,” Nongyai said clarifying on any misgivings prevalent among the public.
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He further asserted, they are yet to return to the mainstream and if talks fail they might still return to the jungle again.
He further expressed appreciation to Chief Minister N Biren Singh-led BJP government of Manipur for taking up measures of the peace agreement.
Urging all outfits of the region to enter the peace process, N Biren Singh said he is ready to work as the facilitator for any outfit desiring to enter the peace process.
The signing of peace agreement on November 29, 2023 has been made possible with the support, cooperation and encouragement of the people of Manipur, CM Biren said.
He stressed that human lives are extremely precious and many lives have been lost. The process for signing of the peace agreement under the guidance and advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Home Minister Amit Shah took around three years, he added.
N Biren Singh also expressed gratitude to the leaders, Central Committee, cadres and MPA of Pambei led UNLF for accepting the Central government’s proposal for peace.
The CM 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, Biren Singh urged to be united. We have been living divided for 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.
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 of lifting the AFSPA and implementation of the ILP in Manipur.
Speaking of the peace agreement, CM Biren urged the people to encourage each other. Let us be united to rebuild a strong and united Manipur, the chief minister said to the communities residing together in the State.
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.
