State not consulted before arrest of three UNLF-P members by NIA, says Manipur CM

Imphal: Amidst strong protests and blockades across the valley districts, a lack of coordination between the centre and state government on the arrest of three self-styled leaders of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF-Pambei group) came to the fore on Thursday.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh who is in constant touch with the central leaders said that the arrest of the three self-styled leaders of the UNLF (P) was made without the state government's knowledge, prompting various forms of agitations for the second day on the valley districts on Thursday.

Talking to newsmen at Imphal on Thursday, the CM said that he had requested the Union government for early release of the arrested UNLF-P leaders.

Further, Singh said that he had urged the central leaders to inform the state government whenever there is any possibility of arrests of such leaders/cases in the future.

The CM, who also holds the Home Portfolio, however, stated that he was informed from the sources that the arrests were made in connection with a case related to West Bengal.

In a twist, the CM washed his hands off from the situation and disclosed that if they were involved in the said case, he would be helpless in their safe release from the clutches of the law of the land.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) apprehended three leaders of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) Pambei group including the outfit’s Army Chief Thokchom Thoiba alias Sidabamapu and the Chief Intelligence in Charge Ingba on Wednesday in an area of Kwakeithel Imphal west district.

The UNLF-Pambei group, the oldest armed group of Manipur signed a peace agreement in New Delhi on November 29, 2023, after making efforts at the central government level for the past three years, the chief minister added.

Meanwhile, various forms of agitations are being launched at different strategic points in the valley areas of the state for the second day on Wednesday.