UTLA clarifies
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 13 2011:
The United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA) has denied involvement in the monetary demand served to Kuki village chiefs of Nungba and Tousem sub-divisions.
Accusing one Seijahou Singson of serving the monetary demands in the form of deducting 30 days wage from job card holders in the name (misusing) of UTLA, a statement issued by UTLA secretary P robert called upon the village chiefs to remain calm and not to panic to such threat.
Strongly condemning alleged intimidation to the village chiefs to honour the monetary demand without taking into account hardships faced by the people as a consequence of the ongoing economic blockade, Robert urged every section of the society to work unitedly in exposing nefarious designs of such selfish person who claim to have brokered suspension of operation with authorities of security forces.
Robert also disclosed the joining of Captain Lena and 10 other cadres to the UTLA group led by its chairman SK Thadou, along with arms.
Captain Lena is informed to have cited lack of trust/faith in the leadership of the other faction for his decision to the join the chairman's group besides confiding that most of the remaining cadres would follow suit very shortly once the peace pact is signed with the Government.
On the otherhand, UTLA also disowned statements given by Phaitoul village chief Paominthang Singson and Phaitoul ADC member Mrs Hatlhing before the District Boundary Reorganisation Committee.
Insisting that both should review their stand on the issue at the earliest, Robert contended that memorandum submitted by the two individuals do not have the consent of apex Kuki organisations.