70 UNLF-P cadres shifted from Phayeng to temporary camp in Thoubal

Imphal: Around 70 cadres of the Pambei-led United National Liberation Front (UNLF-P) stationed at Phayeng in Imphal West were relocated to a temporary designated camp at Yaithibi Loukol in Thoubal district on Wednesday.The development came within 24 hours of the shifting of around 80 cadres from the temporary camp at Nongshum in Imphal East on Tuesday, as authorities continued moving cadres from temporary camps to designated locations under the peace agreement signed between the UNLF-P, Centre and state govt.Personnel of the 5th Manipur Rifles (MR) and 10th India Reserve Battalion (IRB) replaced the UNLF-P cadres at Phayeng. On Wednesday, residents of Phayeng and surrounding areas gathered to bid farewell to the departing cadres.Officials said the cadres had to be shifted to their designated camp according to the existing ground rules after the signing of the peace agreement in Nov 2023. They stressed that all cadres must remain stationed only at officially designated locations.The designated camps for the UNLF-P are at Kakching Khunou in Kakching district and Ingourok in Thoubal district. The cadres from Phayeng were first moved to a temporary designated camp.

Local residents expressed concern over the withdrawal of the UNLF-P cadres, saying that replacing the cadres with state and central security forces alone may not adequately address local security concerns. Villagers also alleged that armed Kuki militants continued to remain in areas such as Leilon Vaiphei despite govt assurances.