Kukis annoy over 'arms deposit' instruction
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, October 17 2012:
Various Kuki groups have come out strongly against the attitude of the State Government in instructing different Kuki UG groups under Suspension of Operation (SoO), a tripartite agreement involving the State, Central government and Kuki UG groups, to deposit their arms in the nearest police station.
The Kuki UG groups, which are signatories of SoO have already deposited their arms in a double-locked compartment in their respective designated camps allotted by the state government.
In the light of the latest instruction from the State government for depositing the arms in the nearest police stations, a public meeting was held at M Munpi Village ground under Chakpikarong block today where in the various Kuki groups of Gunpi Block area, Kana Block area and Khongjoy sub-division including Kuki People's Forum, Kuki Chief's Association, Kuki Women's Human Rights, Kuki Students' Organisation (Khongjoy sub-division) and Kuki Women's Union.
The meeting unanimously denounced the instruction of the state government and adding a new policy to the SoO agreement under which Kuki UG organizations under SoO are directed to re-deposit their arms in the nearest police station, long after opening of their designated camps and deposition of arms a double-locked room.
While drawing the attention of the state government, the meeting also resolved to press the authorities concerned for solving the Kuki issue through political dialogue.
Addressing the public meeting, J Paite, President of Kuki People's Front, Chandel District, observed that different Kuki UG groups under the umbrella UPF have come to the negotiating table and are now leading a peaceful life.
He explained that the public meeting has been convened with the sole motive of showing disapproval of the new ground rule added in the SoO pact.
The instruction of re-depositing arms was given after a meeting held in Delhi on August 30 and 31 last.
N Touthang, Vice President of Kuki Students Organisation (Khongjoy sub-division), said that the Kuki issue which was earlier believed to be inching towards a final settlement through political dialogue appears to have been shifted to a different direction.
He urged the authorities concerned to come up with a definite solution over Kuki issue and help in maintaining peace in Kuki areas.