Three KNA men defect to UKLF
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 18: In a second case of defection from KNA to UKLF this year, three KNA cadres including a lance corporal joined the UKLF along with weapons today.

The new entrants to the UKLF are identified as L/Cpl Lanmilien alias Timothy Haokip (28), Pvt Haokholet alias Albert Lhungdim (17) and Henry alias Khailen (21).All of them were earlier working in KNA wing no 3.The trio brought with them one AK 56 rifle with two magazines loaded with 150 rounds, one US Carbine with two magazines containing 150 rounds, a lathode propeller (80 mm) and 10 bombs, one M-21 rifle with 100 live rounds, one walkie-talkie set.

KNA cadres defecting to the UKLF with their arms

Lanmilien belongs to Sadar Hills.

After joining the KNA in 1996, he underwent military training in Burma.

Haokholet, a native of Burma joined the outfit only this year.

He was trained at Tengnoupal.

Henry belongs to Tuibong village of Churachandpur district.

He joined KNA in 2003 and received military training near Minal river.

The three defectors were accorded a warm reception at a base camp of the UKLF located somewhere in Chandel district today.

Speaking on the occasion, UKLF organisation secretary Lt TL Jacob said, "All the members of the KNA are our brothers.

But the structural flaw in the administrative formation forced their cadres to defect to the UKLF".

Claiming that more and more people are extending support toward its demand for a separate state for 'Kuki nation', the UKLF organisation secretary alleged that some vested elements have been deliberately scheming against its goal of 'reunification of Kukis' by resorting to 'divide and rule policy'.

If the State Government fails to cooperate properly by taking into account of UKLF's aspirations in the event of a peace talk with the Union Government, the UKLF will continue with its armed struggle, Jacob disclosed.

UKLF operation commander Josua remarked that the three KNA cadres joined the outfit guided by their belief in the ideology of the UKLF.

Josua also assured security and financial assistance, if required, to the families of the three former KNA cadres.

The party is open to all those who believe in its principles and want to join it, he announced.

Two other KNA cadres defected to the UKLF in June this year.

The UKLF leaders also condemned the November 16 bomb blast at Pourabi which claimed 8 lives and jured many others.

They also shared the pain and anguish being endured by the bereaved families.

They also conveyed best wishes for the coming Christmas festival.