Manipur Naga People’s Front

Subject – Defence and Security

Context – Manipur ambush: Naga outfit under scanner. MNPF claims responsibility for attack.

Concept –

It is ideologically opposed to the NSCN (I-M), the strongest of Manipur’s Naga group but not in conflict with the armed forces in the State since the ceasefire in 1997.
The NSCN (I-M) is short for the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland.
According to local intelligence officials, the MNPF was formed in June 2013 after the merger of two more obscure outfits called the United Naga People’s Council and Manipur Naga Revolutionary Front.
A statement issued by the MNPF said the group’s objective was “restoration of sovereignty and right to self-determination” besides “bridging the gap” among all revolutionary groups across the seven north-eastern States.
VBIGs – an abbreviation used by the armed forces to mean groups comprising mostly of fighters from the Meitei community who dominate Manipur’s Imphal Valley. VBIG expands to Valley-based insurgent group.