SoO in transitory phase: Brig Chauhan
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 27 2009: The tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact signed between the Central Government, the State Government and Kuki militant groups is now in transitory phase and no political dialogue has been initiated as yet, said Commander of 59 Mountain Brigade Brig Anil Chauhan today.

Brig Anil Chauhan was speaking at the inaugural function of the administrative block of a designated camp built for KNF at Saparmeina.

Moving around with weapons by SoO signatories without prior information is a violation of ground rules, he said.

Rest camp inside a designated camp; Brig Chauhan inaugrating the admn building

The KNO and UPF, umbrella organisations of several Kuki militant groups signed the SoO pact with the Central and State Governments on August 22, 2008.The KNF signed the truce under UPF.

Set up by late Nehlun Haokip in 1989, the KNF is one of the oldest Kuki armed outfit.

Their designated camp located near Saparmeina has been named Ebenezer Camp.

The inaugural function of the administrative block was also attended by CO of 35 AR Col Dushyant and senior leaders and cadres of the party.

Brig Anil Chauhan said that both the parties should follow SoO ground rules strictly.

Clash between UG groups and movement of cadres with weapons without giving prior information are violation of SoO ground rules, he cautioned.

Maintaining that incidents of violation of SoO ground rules have come down in the last two months, the Brigadier said that necessary arrangements would be made to take the dialogue to its next stage after the cadres are housed in designated camps and satisfactory development achieved.

If the present stage is not satisfactory to either of the party, the truce cannot progress to the next stage.

Speaking at the occasion, KNF defence secretary and member of the Joint Monitoring Group Lala said that construction work of the designated camp now being undertaken at Koubru range was complete by 95 percent.

The camp comprising of a hospital, arsenal, church, swimming pool, rest camp, five barracks and a play ground would be inaugurated next month by the Union Home Secretary.

The party has also made proposals for two more designated camps at Maphou Dam and Sehjang village along NH 53.So far 88 cadres have been issued identity cards.

However, validity of these identity cards issued by the Government has expired, Lala said.

The rest camp being constructed inside the designated camp may also be used by people coming for pilgrimage to Koubru hill top.

Plans are also afoot to employ horses for elder persons wishing to offer prayer at Koubru hill-top.

For this service, the KNF would collect certain fees as its fund, Lala said.