Two more rebel groups join peace process
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 24 2012: With the United Tribal Liberation Army (ULTA) and Pakan Reunification Army (PRA) formally entering into a peace pact with the Government today, the number of armed organisations under the suspension of operation (SoO) truce reached 22 .

The suspension of operation is an agreement of the armed groups with both the Central and State Governments, out of which 21 belong to the hill-based tribes and one namely the Kangleipak Communist Part (Lallumba group) is a Meitei-dominated outfit.

The tripartite agreement had been operational since 2009 with the truce extended each year.

As a representative of the Union Government, Joint Secretary (Home) for North East Sambhu Singh oversaw signing of the SoO which was held at the Banquet Hall of 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles.

Interacting with news-persons after the signing of the agreement, Sambhu cautioned the SoO signatories against violating ground rule with the assertion that specific action had been initiated against certain group(s) whose cadres did not adhere to the prescribed norms of the agreement.

File photo of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and GOC Binoy Poonen with surrendered ULTA cadres

Confiding that the Central Government has had specific information about cadres of some SoO signatories interfering at the recently held election for the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly, the Joint Secretary said reports were mainly from Saikul and Saitu assembly constituencies.

Specifying on the charges, he said some cadres were found missing from their respective designated camps during routine checking while some others were reported to have indulged in extortion activities, Sambhu said as punishment the Government denied remuneration and ration money to the erring cadres.

Affirming that the Government will not tolerate the slightest misdemeanour by the SoO signatories, he also said that "since they have not come out with a clear agenda, the Government is yet to begin talks with the armed groups" .

"As and when they come out with terms, we will initiate dialogues," he added.

When pointed out that some of the signatories had been insisting on forming a separate 'Kuki Land', he merely quipped 'where is Kuki land' .

While asserting that the Government is committed to sustaining the peace process with all other armed groups operating in Manipur so as to facilitate return of peace to the State, Sambhu also informed that UTLA has about 95 cadres while the PRA has 22 .

Note ruling out change in the number of cadre strength as many others might be waiting for the formal signing of the truce, he said cadres of both the outfits will be accommodated in two designated camps at a Churachandpur district area.

It is pertinent to mention that the Kuki rebel groups exist under the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People's Front (UPF) folds.

According to KNO spokesperson Dr Sailen Haokip, the UTLA was represented by its president Seipu, general secretary Seilzahau T singsit, army chief K Robert Singson, home secretary Thindei Singsit and defence secretary Boboi Singson in today's peace deal.

While the Government of Manipur's Principal Secretary (Home) Binod Kispotta was the State representative, PRA functionaries that attended the peace process included its Commander W Jackie Anal and defence secretary Teisong Haokip.