UTLA accuses Govt, makes its stance clear
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 01, 2012:: United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA) has said that the armed outfit would not enter into suspension of operation with the Government until its seven points demand is fulfilled.

UTLA general secretary said that the outfit is not a terrorist organisation but an outfit which works for the development and welfare of the people, said UTLA general secretary T Robert.

While speaking to a group of reporters somewhere at Vangai Range, T Robert said, the outfit has been putting effort to empower the tribal populace.

Maintaining that SoO or home coming ceremony of UTLA cadres was planned to organise on December 26 last year, T Robert alleged that it has been delayed due to lackadaisical attitude of the Government of Manipur.

He said that UTLA would not enter into SoO until the seven points demand is fulfilled.

The outfit would also not deposit their arms if the Government fails to set up designated camps.

The outfit is demanding creation a separate Assembly Constituency by clubbing together the villages of UTLA area under Jiribam district as a reserved seat for ST, construction of inland water ways station, one each at Irang River (Vantunbung on one side and Lenglong on the others side of Irang River ), Barak River (Tuilongphai on one side and Kulbung on the other side of Barak River), release of advance rehabilitation package amounting to Rs 3 Crores, construction of water supply tank at Old Kaiphundai to meet the requirements of the surrounding villages under NLCPR, creation of employment opportunities for the cadres on the basis of rank in the organization and their respective educational qualification as well, award of contract works on all the developmental activities to be carried out in the area to the organization as chosen by the outfit.

The outfit also proposes stting up of SDO offices at Vangaikhopi and Longpi villages.

Chairman SK Thadou, chief of army staff Bonny Kuki, deputy chief of army staff Max and chaplin (Pastor) A Sinson were also present in the press conference.

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