UPF rejects strike call, security put in place
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 07 2013: Ahead of the 24 hour general strike called by the Kuki State Demand Committee, which will be followed by economic blockade for 48 hours, security forces have made necessary arrangement for smooth shipment of transport fuel and cooking gas even as one of the conglomerate bodies of Kuki armed organisations have raised objection against the strike call.

In view of the upcoming general strike and economic blockade, a number of empty oil tankers and LGP carriers (bullet tankers) left for Mao at 5 pm under CRPF escort while loaded vehicles from Khatkhati side would be brought into Manipur from Mao point by the same CRPF team.

The exchange is likely to take place at midnight.

It is said that the special security arrangement was taken up in deliberation between the State DGP and CRPF authorities on the basis of a formal intimation to the former by officials of IOC depot Chingmeirong.

The returning convoy of fuel/LPG carriers are expected to arrive here ahead of the strike coming into force.

Meanwhile, UPF convenor Aaron Kipgen clarified that the strike cum economic blockade by KSDC do not have the support of UPF.

The KSDC strike is to demand early start of political dialogue between the Government and Kuki armed groups who are signatories to the suspension of operation agreement.

UPF is one of the conglomerates of the armed groups with the one being KNO.

As per agreement between UPF and KNO, any movement regarding political dialogue that concern SoO groups should have prior information of both the umbrella organisations.

Refusing to acknowledge KSDC, Aaron also questioned who gave the right to KSDC to impose bandh/blockade.

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