Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, June 02 2009:
The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) has clarified the news report published in the Hueiyen Lanpao (English) on its June 1 issue under the head 'KNO/KNA declares war' while saying that the KNO, since its inception, has never declared war any group fighting for the cause of the indigenous people, much less upon its own brothers.
A 'KNO's rejoinder to UKLF' issued by the KNO information and publicity secretary, Lenin H Kuki stated that the KNO and its armed wings are primarily devoted to the resurrection of Kuki Self-governance in Kuki ancestral land.
"Hence, our fight is against those who lay claim on Kuki ancestral territories, those who kill and maim our people to forcibly occupy our land and those who deny us the right to govern ourselves," the statement asserted.
It added that since the unfortunate shoot-out at Gunjil village in Chandel district on May 11, the initiatives and moves for restoration of peace in the area and reconciliatory measures taken by the KNO has not yielded the desired results as the UKLF still maintains a hardnosed attitude so far.
The KNO also appeals the brethren in UKLF to free themselves from the shackles of those holding them captive and join forces with those struggling for the Kuki national rights.
The KNO reiterates that for the prevalence of peace and tranquility and above all, for the peaceful negotiated settlement of the 'Kuki question' SoO was signed with the government of India.
Bent upon stalling any progress out of such agreement, certain anti-Kuki elements are out to create chaos and confusion, Lenin Kuki observed while calling upon the Kuki people in general and the UKLF in particular not to fall in the death-trap laid by
such elements.