Govt signs MoU with UPPK
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 24 2013 : A home-coming ceremony of UPPK leaders and cadres was held today at 1st MR banquet hall during which a tripartite Me-morandum of Understanding was signed between the outfit, Government of Manipur and Government of India.

Chief Minister O Ibobi who graced the ceremony as chief guest stated that the State Government would welcome with open arms if UNLF, PLA, PREPAK and KYKL come over ground and point out the failures/mistakes of the Government and possible remedies.

The home-coming ceremo-ny which reportedly marked the beginning of a peace process with 80 cadres of UPPK was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Ministers, MLAs, high-ranking civil and police officials, Assam Rifles and CRPF officers and their families.

Altogether 37 numbers of weapons brought by UPPK cadres, including SLR, HK-3 rifles, Lathod guns, M-22 rifles, AK-56 rifles, Type 81 rifle, A-4 rifle, A-1 rifle, MG A-2, MG M-23 and RPG were showcased at the function.

The tripartite MoU was signed Ministry of Home Af-fairs Joint Secretary and North East in-charge Shambhu Singh on behalf of Government of India and Principal Secretary (Home) Dr Suresh Babu on behalf of the Government of Manipur.

UPPK was represented by its president Achoibam Bon-bihari, general secretary Ning- thoujam Shanti alias Ching-lemba and chief of army staff Mayengbam Maichon.

(Top) UPPK Gen Secy Shanti meets DyCM Gaikhangam and (bottom) UPPK female cadres during the 'home coming ceremony'

General secretary Shanti was brought from Guwahati in a helicopter today in order to enable him take part in sig-ning the MoU and participate in the home-coming ceremony.

A copy of the signed MoU was given to UPPK president Achoibam Bonbihari by Chief Minister O Ibobi.

Addressing the gathering, Ibobi welcomed the UPPK cadres who have shunned the path of violence and returned to the path of peace.

Stating that each and every group should ponder on the desires and aspirations of the people, Ibobi stated that the Government would welcome if UNLF, PLA, PREPAK and KYKL also come over ground and advise the Governments on its follies, failu- res and possible remedies.

The State Government with financial assistance from MHA would start construction of designated camps to host the UPPK cadres including four women cadres who have returned to the mainstream.

Every effort would be made to ensure that these cadres who have come forward with full faith in the Government are settled properly very soon, Ibobi assured.

Principal Secretary Suresh Babu said that New Delhi has released Rs 14 crores for ne-cessary expenditures of the groups which have come to the path of peace.

A sum of Rs 2.50 lakhs would be fix-deposited in a bank in the name of the cadres for a period of two years.

They would be given month-ly stipend of Rs 4000 each.

Notably, UPPK cadres are being housed at the Kakching camp of 27th Assam Rifles.

Talking with reporters, UPPK general secretary N Shanti remarked that the tripartite MoU signed today was the first step and a signi-ficant milestone for the much anticipated peace process.

Claiming that they took a decision towards this end in accordance to people's desire, Shanti said that other parties need to join the peace process.

To a query, Shanti said that opportunities for dialogue should not be allowed to go waste though it may be a long process.

To another query, Shanti said that it needs a thorough discussion on pre-conditions of the proposed dialogue.

Shanti who was brought from Guwahati today was given interim bail till May 27 and he would be taken to Guwahati on May 27.He will remain at a State police facility for the time being.

Notably, 51 cadres of UPPK were extricated from Myanmar through Tamu and Moreh on February 4 this year with the help of Assam Rifles and State police commandos.

The second batch consisting of 27 cadres were extricated on March 19 through Nagaland border from the camp located at Taka in Myanmar.