45 UPPK cadres enter 'peace path' of AR
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 04 2013:
Assam Rifles has claimed that 45 cadres of UPPK have come into the fold of peace process initiated by them.
A press release issued by the PRO of Hqs IG AR (S) said that the final curtain to the long negotiations which started in November with UPPK was brought down today when 45 cadres with an array of weapons walked into the fold of peace process initiated by the Assam Rifles.
Negotiations with the top leadership started in November last year when important leaders of the outfit including the Chairman were extricated from various places and brought to Manipur to initiate peace process in the State.
"It is evident from this action that the strategy of IG AR (South) to bring peace by winning hearts and mind has paid amazing dividends and insurgents have given up arms voluntarily thus signifying that people of the State abhor violence and are desirous of leading a peaceful life", said the PRO's statement.
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"With Manipur facing the scourge of insurgency for decades, it is the general public who have to bear the brunt of the problems due to the presence of such militant outfits who indulge in killings, extortion and anti-social activity by the groups under the umbrella of CorCom", it further said.
UPPK coming out of the umbrella body of CorCom and choosing to enter into peace talks has far reaching implications and would open a floodgate for other cadres.
All possible pre-requisite was assured by the State Government which led to successful negotiation with UPPK.
It also mentioned that Maj Gen UK Gurung's efforts were recognised by the defence hierarchy recently awarding him the AVSM for his service in Manipur.
Significantly, CorCom the joint body of several underground outfits had recently 'expelled' the UPPK from its fold.