UPF, KNO raise Union Territory banner
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, July 28 2023:
Amid the demand for abrogation of Suspension of Operations with the Kuki militants and stiff opposition against the demand for separate administration, the UPF and KNO put up the demand for separate administration with legislative powers during talks with the Government of India at the National capital.
After several rounds of informal talks in the last two and a half months, the United People's Front (UPF), and the Kuki National Organization (KNO), the two conglomerate organizations of the Kuki militants held the first formal talk with the Government of India since May 3 on July 26, which marked the resumption of the formal political dialogue.
The formal political dialogue was chaired by AK Mishra, Special Advisor MHA which was participated by delegates of UPF and KNO led by Aaron Kipgen and Dr Seilen Haokip respectively.
During the meeting, the UPF and KNO had reportedly urged the Centre to withdraw the clause for safeguarding the integrity of Manipur in the SoO pact.
UPF convenor Aaron Kipgen said "We had clearly placed to the Centre that we would not be able to represent our people if the clause for safeguarding the integrity of Manipur in the Suspension of Operation Agreement is not withdrawn" .
While discussing the issue of separate adminis- tration, Aaron Kipgen said that the UPF and KNO representing the Kuki-Zo people put up a demand for Union Territory under the Constitution of India.
"We have conveyed to the Centre that UPF and KNO are representatives of the Kuki-Zo people and our demand is Union Territory with legislative powers where forest and land rights will be our inherent rights", he said.