UPF flays rehabilitation plan
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 01 2013:
Registering stiff opposition to the proposed plan of the Govt of rehabilitating/stationing surrendered UG groups in the hill areas of the State and appealing the concerned authority to retract the plan, the United Peoples Front (UPF), a party to tripartite SoO pact, warned of launching operation against anybody if the appeal of the front is not heeded and the State Govt should bear the responsibility of the outcome.
Making its stand loud and clear, a statement issued by the Information and Publicity Secretary of the UPF, C Robinson Thadou pledged that the front would not remain silent if any surrendered groups are given settlement in its areas viz Chandel, Churachandpur and Sadar Hills, whether it be for temporary or permanent.
No surrenderee groups should be given settlement not only in the areas mentioned but even in valley districts near or adjoining its areas, the UPF said while adding that the opposition is for maintaining peace and harmony in the State and not particularly against any community or group.
Pointing out that the hill based revolutionary groups are into ceasefire pact with the Govt for 7 years with the hope of finding an acceptable political solution, it rued that no concrete step has been taken up by Govt as per the aspiration and hope of the Kuki based UGs.
"Now the Govt is seen taking up steps to settle surrendered UG groups in the operational areas of the SoO groups which is very embarrassing.
It is not only the UG groups but also the public who is much against the programme of the Govt," it stated.