Centre Allocates ₹5.83 Crore Stipend for UNLF-Pambei Peace Pact Cadres in Manipur
The Government of India has allocated ₹5.83 crore as a stipend for 1,435 cadres of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF–Pambei group), which is currently engaged in the peace process with the Centre.
The information was shared during the seventh session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly in response to a supplementary question raised by Congress MLA Surjakumar Okram.
Stipend for Peace Pact Cadres
According to the statement made in the Assembly, the allocated amount of ₹5.83 crore covers a five-month period from December 2023 to April 2024.
Under the peace agreement, each cadre of the UNLF–Pambei faction will receive a monthly stipend of ₹6,000 as part of the rehabilitation and confidence-building measures following the peace pact.
The peace agreement between the United National Liberation Front (UNLF–Pambei) and the Government of India was signed in New Delhi on November 29, 2023, marking a significant step toward resolving one of the longest-running insurgencies in Manipur.
Second Installment Awaiting Approval
Responding to another question in the Assembly, Manipur Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh said the state government has already submitted a report to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs requesting the release of the second installment of stipends.
The second installment amounts to ₹5.16 crore, which will cover six months from May 2024 to October 2024.
The Home Minister explained that stipend payments under the agreement are processed every six months as part of the rehabilitation mechanism.
Assurance on Pending Payments
During the Assembly discussion, concerns were also raised about backlogged stipends for the cadres.
In response, the Home Minister assured the House that the Manipur government is in continuous communication with the central authorities to ensure that pending payments are released at the earliest.
Step Toward Peace and Rehabilitation
The stipend scheme forms part of a broader rehabilitation initiative designed to support former insurgents during the transition to civilian life.
Officials believe that such measures can encourage armed groups to join peace processes, reduce violence, and contribute to sustainable peace and development in the region.
More updates are expected as the Union Government reviews the second installment request and continues implementing the peace pact framework.
