JUNE 30, 2026 (IMP): Villagers, especially Ima (mothers) from the peripheral villages of Nongshum areas, unwillingly bid tearful adieus to UNLF’s ‘Nongshum Camp’ (also known as Marjing Battalion-293), which has been guarding the people since its establishment.
After days of determined resistance against the relocation, the Manipur People’s Army (MPA) cadres were allowed to leave the designated camp with an emotional farewell, accompanied by tears, prayers, and blessings, after the villagers’ last attempt to stop them failed.
The people’s efforts to stop the MPA personnel from leaving the camp show their increasing trust in them for safety and security. The departure came only after repeated confrontations, prolonged negotiations, and assurances that personnel of the 10th India Reserve Battalion (IRB) would immediately take over the security responsibilities at the camp.
Residents, however, insisted that only State forces should remain deployed in the area and strongly opposed the stationing of any Central security forces.
Earlier in the day, hundreds of women from Nongshum and neighbouring villages gathered around the camp and blocked the movement of the MPA cadres, reiterating that the outfit’s presence had given them a sense of security against possible attacks from Kuki armed groups since the outbreak of the ethnic conflict.
As security forces attempted to clear the route, they fired several rounds of tear gas to disperse the protesters. During the confrontation, at least three women reportedly fainted and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The protesters then allowed the MPA personnel to vacate the camp, with many women breaking down in tears while offering traditional blessings and prayers for the cadres.
Personnel of the 10th IRB subsequently moved into the Nongshum camp, replacing the departing MPA unit.
Despite the deployment of the State police force, local residents renewed their demand for additional IRB personnel, maintaining that only Manipur State forces should guard the vulnerable fringe area and rejecting the deployment of Central security forces.
The emotional farewell marks the end of days of public resistance that began after authorities initiated the relocation of the UNLF-MPA camp from Nongshum.
It may be mentioned that the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), the oldest armed group from Manipur, is currently under peace dialogue with the Government of India. On June 19 this month, as part of its ongoing political dialogue, the Government of India and UNLF leaders held talks in New Delhi.
