UPF condemns Jan 28 incident
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 01 2015:
United People's Front (UPF), one of the signatories of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between Kuki underground groups and the Government of India vehemently condemned the atrocities of the 8 Assam Rifles (AR) and the alleged Kadangband "fake encounter" on January 28 .
A press release signed by Robinson Chongloi, Information Secretary, UPF stated that the SoO Ground Rules permit movement of leaders and cadres in civil dresses.
Robinson said Robert Hesei and few KNF delegates were sent to attend a meeting with social leaders in Kangchup Village.
They were stopped on the way by one Capt.
Saurabh and his men from 8 AR and allegedly "killed mercilessly" .
Killing unarmed leader of UPF in cold blood, not even sparing civilians cannot be justified at all asserted Robinson and accused 8 AR of trying to dub the incident as an encounter.
He said the AR personnel were trying to get "rewards and awards" from the Government of India instead of expressing regret over the incident.
The UPF leader also alleged that the officers of 8 AR had no respect for human rights or cared to honour the SoO agreement between UPF and the Government of India which was signed on August 22, 2008 in New Delhi.
UPF reiterated that the SoO Ground Rules apply for both Kuki "revolutionary groups" as well as the Indian security forces.
"We cannot continue to live under this reign of terror in constant fear", the UPF Information Secretary asserted.
He said people are losing faith in the credibility of AR due to "this heinous crime" and the officers of 8 AR who killed a public leader - Khupneilal Neishel.
While conveying its support to the Joint Action Committee formed in connection with the alleged face encounter case, the UPF leader appeals to all SoO signatories and the general public to condemn the same so that everyone can live peace.
Unless a magisterial enquiry was constituted and befitting punishment given to the guilty officers of 8 AR, UPF will raise its voice and make sure that justice was delivered to the deceased victims, warned Robinson.
It may be mentioned that UPF is a conglomerate of eight major Kuki UG groups � HPC (D), KNF, UKLF, ZRA, KRA(U), KRF, ZDV and ZRF who are currently under SoO pact with Governments.