The Battalion 294 camp of the Pambei led United National Liberation Front (UNLF-P), located at Phayeng in Imphal West district, was relocated on Wednesday, officials said. Earlier, yesterday the camp of the MPA of the Pambei led UNLF from Nongsum have been relocated.
According to officials, personnel stationed at the camp have been shifted to a designated location, while security in the area will now be maintained by personnel of the 10th Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) and the 5th Manipur Rifles (MR).
The camp was established in 2023 following the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur. During 2023 and 2024, Phayeng witnessed several armed confrontations with militants operating from neighbouring Kangpokpi district, resulting in casualties on both sides. The camp had since served as a key security installation in the area.
Following the relocation, many residents expressed disappointment, saying the presence of the Pambei led UNLF camp had given them a greater sense of security amid the continuing unrest in the state. They appealed to the authorities to ensure that adequate security arrangements remain in place and that the concerns of the local community are addressed.
The Pambei led UNLF signed a peace agreement with the Government of India in 2023 and has since been operating from designated camps under the terms of the pact.
