Manipur: Centre Bans Several Meitei Groups Under UAPA, Cites Threat To National Security

In a significant move, the Centre has declared several Meitei extremist organisations, including the People's Liberation Army (PLA), United National Liberation Front (UNLF), and others, as "unlawful associations" under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) justified the decision, citing their involvement in attacks on security forces, police, and civilians in Manipur, along with activities deemed prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India.

As reported by Hindustan Times, The banned organizations, such as People’s Liberation Army (PLA), United National Liberation Front (UNLF), People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), Kanglei Yaol Kanba Lup (KYKL), and others, have been pursuing the establishment of an independent nation by advocating the secession of Manipur from India through armed struggle.

The Centre expressed concern over their engagement in armed means to achieve their objectives, attacks on security forces, and maintaining camps in neighboring countries for training and procurement of arms.

The ban, effective for five years, aims to curb their secessionist, subversive, terrorist, and violent activities.

The MHA emphasised the need for immediate control to prevent escalation and cited the groups' potential to mobilise cadres, propagate anti-national activities, and engage in illegal arms procurement and extortion.

The move comes amid ethnic violence in Manipur, resulting in 178 fatalities and 50,000 displacements since 3 May.

The Centre believes that the banned organisations pose a serious threat to the sovereignty and integrity of India, justifying the need for decisive action to safeguard national security.