TSA seeks justice through PIL
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 02 2018: The Thadou Students' Association (TSA) has issued a rejoinder to the joint statements of Hill Tribal Council (HTC), Moreh, Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), Moreh, Moreh Youth Club (MYC) and Kuki Women Union and Human Rights (KWHR) on August 29, 2018 in connection to July 13 Moreh attack that filing of PEL at Manipur HC is an act of seeking justiceoverthe July 13 Moreh attack without any partiality or hatred to any individuals over the attack and it does not reflect any partiality over any individuals, said a statement released by TSA.

In their first press release, Kuki National Organisation/Kuki National Army (KNO/ KNA) has claimed that the attack on Thongminlun Haokip, president of TSA Moreh Block and his family were carried out because of his involvement with TSA, added the statement.

TSA clarified that the peace accord signed between the KNA and UKLF on July 23 was not related to the incident of firing and bombing on the residence of Thongminlun Haokip.

TSA or Thongminlun also had nothing to do with the said peace accord or peace commission.

The KNO/KNA in their several press releases had clearly stated that the attack was carried out by them and hence there is no need for clarification by the joint bodies for and on behalf of the KNO/KNA, mentioned the statement.

In the statement, TSA condemned that even if there was a misunderstanding between the two underground groups, the KNA and UKLF, as claimed by the joint statement, the KNO/KNA or UKLF or any other groups or individuals do not have the rights to harm innocent children and civilians and question if the mission of the peace commission was for the settlement of July 13 attack, why were the victims of the attack not involved in the peace banquet or their names mentioned in the agreement.

If the joint bodies were for peace and justice, why have they not sought justice in the incident instead of bullying the victims and TSA who stand for justice.

In spite of understanding being reached between UKLF and KNO/KNA, the law should take its own course.

The so-called peace agreement between the KNA and UKLF cannot be an excuse to absolve the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

In seeking justice, TSA filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) at Manipur High Court on August 16.This PIL has nothing to do with HTC and allies, but why they are standing against the PIL rather than speaking up for justice, said the statement.

TSA taking note of the joint bodies statement that TSA would be held responsible if any untoward incidents arise between the two groups (KNA and UKLF) due to the case, TSA clarified that they cannot and will not withdraw the PIL, however if HTC and its allies have any objection to the PIL, then they have the right to object to it through proper and legal channel, not through the tactics of intimidating, bullying or threatening, maintained the statement.

TSA further asserted that the PEL has nothing to do with the peace agreement between the KNA and UKLF or HTC and allies and added that there cannot be any reason to blame TSA which is the only organization to have taken up the case of July 13 Moreh attack for justice.

But, if any untoward incidents happen to any of the TSA leaders, KNO/KNA and the joint bodies shall be held solely responsible for it, added the statement.

TSA further urged the State Government to nab the perpetrators and delivered justice to the victims at the earliest.

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