Pro-talk groups allege abuse by cops, claim CorCom threat
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 25 2014: Denouncing alleged indifferent attitude by both the Central and state Government and failure to translate into action various assurances given to them, a representative of three armed groups that entered into a truce with the government claimed to be facing threat from the armed CorCom conglomerate apart from enduring continuous harassment from security personnel.

Even though much details about the CorCom threat were held back for reasons best known to them, one Puyam Ruhini who claimed to be the spokesperson of KCP (Taibangnganba), MDF (Athouba) and URF (Ruhini) told newspersons at Manipur Press Club today that the UG conglomerate CorCom had not only threatened to attack cadres of peace deal signatory groups but also eliminate top leaders of the outfits.

Contending that none of the assurances given to them by the Government at the time of signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on February 13, 2013 have been translated into action inspite of the cadres sticking to the MoU ground rules, Ruhini said in view of the recent threat from the CorCom the Government should atleast take positive measure on their proposal for issuing arms to protect themselves.

Asserting that provision of arms would in no way result in the cadres misusing the weapons in illegal activities, he also expressed serious resentment against the Government's callousness in implementing welfare projects assured to them.

Ruhini, however, disclosed about a Government assurance to issue arms to the pro-talk cadres after the lok Sabha election.

In addition to the cadres currently attached or confined in Assam Rifles camps at Churachandpur (KCP-T), Lilong Khunou (URF) and Chandel (MDF) areas without any regular payment of stipends as assured, he confided that the cadres are feeling demoralised due to non-implementation of rehabilitation packages or income generating avenues.

Inspite of submitting project report as suggested by Shambhu Singh, the Central Government representative at the time of signing the Memorandum of Understanding the welfare project seems to be a hollow promise as there is no sign of any further development, maintained the spokesperson conveying that the cadres decided to give up arms and contribute their mite in sustaining the Green Revolution in Manipur.

Decrying the State Government's inaction on the assurance to withdraw cases registered against the surrendered cadres, he also alleged that security forces, including police commandos continue to subject them to constant harassments.

Taking into account various inconveniences and threat faced by members of those who agreed to enter into peace truce the Government need to act positively failing which all unwanted consequences should be the responsibility of both the State and Central authorities, Ruhini cautioned.

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