Don't misinterpret 'Separate State' as 'Kuki State' : UPF
Source: The Sangai Express
Sadar Hills, October 17 2016:
Signatory of 'Political Dialogue' with the Govt.of India and the State Government, the United People's Front (UPF), one of the conglomerates of the Kuki UG groups today urged the State and National media fraternity not to misinterpret the political demands of UPF/KNO as demanding a Kuki State.
Spokesperson of UPF, Aaron Kipgen, who is also the general secretary of Kuki National Front (KNF), said that the political dialogue and UPF/KNO represents all the kindred tribes and for this reason the political demands of UPF and KNO have been amalgamated as 'Separate State' and it should not be misinterpreted as 'Kuki State' which could represent the feeling and sentiments of only the Kuki tribe.
"The differences amongst us would be resolved amicably with time", Aaron asserted and added that the problem today of the erstwhile Kuki tribes is not only political but a problem of security.
He also said that 'Political Solution' could only be brought about only when we continue to stand together as one while adding that it is high time to focus on oneness, brotherhood and unity.
The UPF spokesperson recalled that Suspension of Operations Agreement between the UPF/KNO and the Govt of India and Govt of Manipur was signed to initiate a peaceful and meaningful political dialogue so as to resolve the vexed political issue of the Kukis.
He said that there are ideological differences today on the issue of identity in Manipur among the erstwhile Kuki tribes stating that some disown the political identity Kuki while few want to move on with the dominance.
Therefore, the amalgamated political demands of the UPF/KNO, i.e.'Separate State' should not be misinterpreted as 'Kuki State' while the political dialogue and UPF/KNO represent all the kindred tribes, Aaron reiterated.
The UPF spokesperson appealed to the State and National media national not to misinterpret the amalgamated political demands of UPF and KNO as 'Kuki State' keeping in mind the sentiments of all the constituents groups of UPF and KNO.
It may be recalled that the second round of 'political talks' between UPF/KNO and Govt of India and Govt of Manipur will be held on October 19 at New Delhi for which the representatives of UPF and KNO are likely to leave for the National capital tomorrow.
However, details of both UPF and KNO representatives as well as on the part of Govt of India and Govt of Manipur could not be ascertained till the time of filing this report.