UTLA, PRA too ink SoO pact
No such thing as Kuki land: Sambhu
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, March 24 2012: Two more armed outfits, namely United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA) and Pankan Re-Unification Army (PRA) operating in Moreh and Jiribam sub divisions have signed the Suspension of Operation (SoO), a tripartite agreement involving the state government and the Central government, today.

The formal function for signing of the tripartite agreement was held at the conference hall of 1st Manipur Rifles.

The agreement was inked by Sambhu Singh, Joint Secretary of Ministry of Home Affairs on behalf of the Central government and DGP Ratnakar Baral appended the signature from the side of the State government.

The function was also attended by Chief Secretary DS Poonia; ADGP (CID) and leaders of UTLA, PRA and Advisor of KNO.

Speaking to media persons after signing the peace pact, Sambhu Singh informed that designated camps of PRA and UTLA have been set up in Churachandpur district.

Ninety five cadres of UTLA surrendered along 55 arms while 22 cadres of PRA handed over 17 arms at the time of signing the agreement.

Sambhu Singh informed that there are 10 to 20 more cadres of both the UG groups presenting staying in Mizoram and they would also be laying down arms soon.

With two more Kuki UG groups joining the list of SoO signatories, the number of UG groups which have come to the fold of SoO has increased to 19.This includes KCP(MC)Lallumba group.

Sambhu further informed that there are reports of some of SoO signatories violating the ground rules and those violating the ground rules would be dealt seriously.

There were also reports that even during the recent elections to the 10th Manipur State Assembly, some of the Kuki outfits, which are signatories of SoO resorted to violence in Saitu and Saikul area, he disclosed.

Sambhu Singh said that the government is keeping its doors wide open for the mislead youths to join the mainstream.

It has also decided to increase the monthly stipend given to the cadres of SoO signatories.

There are no such things as Kukiland or any other lands for any community and the violators of law of the land would be dealt and punished accordingly.

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