Four members of the United National Liberation Front – Pambei (UNLF-P) were apprehended in Imphal West district on Sunday, facing serious charges of rape and firing. According to Manipur police, the accused are also charged with assaulting civilians. The arrested individuals have been identified as Thounaojam Gopen Singh (34), Naorem Ningthouremba (25), Arambam Tom Meitei (35), and Laishram Doshnikumar (28). Their capture resulted from a targeted raid in the Chingemeirong area of Imphal West district.
During the raid, police recovered a pistol, ammunition, five mobile phones, and a sum of cash. The accused have been placed in judicial custody for eight days, and investigations are ongoing. The UNLF-P, engaged in peace talks with central and state governments, reached a significant milestone by signing a peace pact in New Delhi on November 29, 2023. This was followed by a reception ceremony at Kangla Fort in Imphal on December 2, 2023, where over 600 cadres were honored, symbolizing their commitment to peace.
Established in 1964, the UNLF has since split into two factions—one led by Pambei, involved in current peace negotiations, and the other by Koireng, which operates outside the peace agreement framework. The Pambei faction’s engagement in peace talks is a positive step, but the recent arrests highlight ongoing challenges in the peace process.
