Pro-talk, anti talk ULFA groups have not retracted from sovereignty stand : RK Meghen Plebiscite still the mantra for UNLF
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 07, 2011: The proposed unconditional talks between the ULFA and the Government of India is not going to give any impact on the liberation movement in Manipur and elsewhere in North East, arrested UNLF chairman RK Meghen alias Sanayaima has categorically stated.

Talking to mediapersons after his appearance in the special court of NIA at Guwahati today, Meghen observed that there is only a qualitative difference between the thought process of ULFA and UNLF.

He went on to say that even though ULFA has announced unconditional talks with the Government of India, a group led by the C-in-C has ruled out their participation in the talks.

The group of C-in-C has not yet given up its demand for sovereignty and independence.

Nor the group which the Government of India claimed to have agreed to the proposed too have not retracted from their stand of sovereignty and independence.

''We have to wait and see the outcome of the process initiated by ULFA and it would be premature to make any comment at this point of time'', he added.

RK Meghen reiterated that the stand of UNLF and the people of Manipur is to bring about a democratic solution.

So, there is a qualitative difference between the process of talks initiated by ULFA and the process being adopted by UNLF with the support of the people.

If the people of Manipur put in some sincere efforts, taking lessons from what the people of Sudan and East Timor have done for independence, there is no question of not achieving the goal.

So, there is the need for unity and collective strength among the people, the rebel leader asserted.

RK Meghen while coming out of the NIA Court says it all with his clenched fist

Admitting that it would be hard for just 2 lakh people out of 25 lakhs to come together and face the Government of India, the rebel leader pointed out that the International community would not be able to remain mere spectator when the on-going movement becomes uglier.

Now that the people of Manipur have started talking about Plebiscite, it is a signal that we are inching towards our goal.

At this critical juncture, what is more important is to walk together in the same direction if not unity among all, the rebel leader said.

In connection with the 24th anniversary of MPA, the armed wing of UNLF, which falls on February 9, chairman RK Meghen also conveyed his greetings.

Earlier, in the trial, the Court rejected the plea to tape record the statement of RK Meghen.

RK Meghen and six other alleged members of the outfit arrested from Guwahati were produced before the NIA court today.

After a heated argument over the plea of NIA counsel to take voice tape record of RK Meghen, the rejected the plea.

Later talking to mediapersons, counsel of RK Meghen observed the voice tape record of rebel leader may be manipulated and produced as evidences.

So objection was raised in the court against such recordings.

Consequently, the court also rejected the plea.

On the other hand, the plea of the NIA for questioning M Ibohal, who was arrested from Guwahati too has been rejected by the court.

Counsel of the six other alleged UNLF members Assim Taludar pointed out that questioning the wife of a UNLF member, who is currently detained under NSA in Sajiwa Jail, Imphal, at night is in contravene to law.

For questioning any family members, prior notice should be given and his/her counsel should be present during interrogation.

The NIA special court have directed that all seven of them be produced on February 21 again.