'UTLA still exist and ready for furthering peace talks'
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, July 16 2012:
United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA) has categorically pointed out that in spite of all misinformation given to the Chief Minister by different agencies, the group does exist and is ready to carry on the pending peace talk with the government if the Chief Minister is willing to do so.
Addressing media persons at an undisclosed place, SK Thadou, Chairman of UTLA said that the group has carried out peace talks with the state government four times but no solution could be brought about so far.
The group had also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister with a number of demands.
SK Thadou further informed that the state government needs to consider the points brought up by the group seriously.
If the government neglects the demands made by the group and the peace talk is shattered, more unwanted happenings may occur.
So, the group should not be held responsible for any untoward incident in future if the pending peace talk is not resumed.
He said that UTLA was established for the betterment and development of around 200 neglected villages in Tipaimukh, Tamei, Thanlon, Henglep and Nungba.
The organization had earlier demanded the state government to bring these villages under one Constituency.
The constituency should also be under Jiribam.
The demands of UTLA are not against the law of the land.
It is within the framework of Indian Constitution.
The demands also should be approved by the state government under the Tribal Rights Protection Act 1971 Amendment.
These demands are not to destroy the integrity of the state, SK Thadou added.