UKLF expresses resentment
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 30, 2012:
There is no need to hold Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) meeting for SoO signatory Kuki underground outfits if UKLF cadres would not be allowed to cast vote in the State Assembly election, said TL Jacob Thadou, JMG member of United People's Front (UPF).
In a press conference held at Nazareth Camp of Muranphai village in Chandel district, TL Jacob Thadou said, UKLF has 115 cadres according to the Government register.
Out of this 115 cadres, only 11 cadres were allowed to practise their universal adult franchise in the State Assembly election held on January 28 last, he said.
During the month of January, JMG convened meetings on three different occasions to deliberate the issue, TL Jacob Thadou said.
He added that it was decided in a meeting held on January 13 to permit the cadres of SoO signatory Kuki outfits to cast their votes through postal ballots.
Joint Commissioner of ECI and Home Affairs Director were also present in the meeting, he added.
TL Jacob further said that although, some of the cadres have not attained the age of 18 years, 83 UKLF cadres out of 115 cadres are eligible to cast vote as they possess all the necessary requirements to become a voter.
Expressing resentment over the issue, TL Jacob asked why the agreement reached in the JMG meeting was not implemented by the Government.
He also urged the Government to commence political dialogue with SoO signatory Kuki outfits with the coming of a new year.