The Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) Manipur has submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India, requesting the immediate release of three detained cadres of the Pambei led UNLF. The memorandum was delivered on April 11, 2024, through the Chief Minister of Manipur.
According to the memorandum, the arrest of the three Pambei-led UNLF cadres by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on March 13, 2024, has caused shock and concern among the people of Manipur and the entire region. The individuals detained, Thokchom Sidabamapu, Laimayum Anand Sharma, and Thounaojam Ibomcha played key roles in facilitating the peace process between state and non-state actors in the region, FOCS stated.
FOCS emphasized that the arrests violate the terms of a ceasefire agreement signed between the Government of India and the Pambei-led UNLF on November 29, 2023. This agreement aimed to bring peace to the region by granting immunity to Pambei-led UNLF cadres for their past actions, it stated.
The memorandum mentioned that the government’s actions have led to mass protests in Manipur, with residents engaging in democratic movements such as sit-in protests and night rallies. These protests reflect a collective call for the release of the three cadres and highlight the growing dissatisfaction with the government’s response.
FOCS warned that the continued detention of the cadres may threaten the ongoing peace process and lead to a loss of trust between the people of Manipur and the government. This could risk a return to conflict in the region, they stated.
In light of these concerns, FOCS requested the Prime Minister’s intervention to secure the release of the detained cadres. The organisation leaders emphasised that such action is essential to maintaining peace and stability in the region and ensuring the success of the peace agreement.
