Manipur Villagers Block UNLF-P Camp Relocation

Imphal: Villagers and Meira Paibi women groups swarmed the streets Saturday. They blocked roads in Imphal East and Imphal West to stop the Pambei-led United National Liberation Front from leaving its designated camps. The UNLF-P cadres started packing up after their Military Affairs Committee ordered them to relocate.

Protesters want the fighters to stay put. They argue these camps act as a defensive buffer for towns near the border. Locals fear a security vacuum if the group leaves. They claim the withdrawal would open the northern approaches to Imphal East to attack during this time of intense ethnic tension.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh met with village committee leaders to calm the crowd. The protesters reported the outcome of the meeting: "The Chief Minister assured them that no immediate decision on the relocation would be taken without further consultations."

The Pambei faction signed a peace deal with the federal government back in November 2023. This agreement gives the group rehabilitation support and monthly stipends. The state government recently asked the Union Home Ministry to send over 5 crore rupees to cover payments through October 2024. For now, the camps stay active. Locals insist the status quo holds until officials guarantee their safety.