Kpi protests military ops at Natheljang Camp
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, June 21 2017: Accusing the Centre and the State Government of betraying the Kuki people by violating the SoO pact as well as the ongoing tripartite talks with the groups in the SoO pact by arresting 26 cadres of KNF, the Kukis in Kangpokpi district demanded the Government to release the arrested KNF cadres and withdraw all charges against its leaders.

The Kuki community in Kangpokpi under the aegis of Kuki Inpi including other civil society organizations protested the alleged premeditated 'deceitful massive military operation by 38 Assam Rifles under Senapati Brigade at UPF/KNF designated camp, Natheljang on June 15,' where the security forces arrested 26 SoO cadres of the outfit.

The Kuki people led by Kuki Inpi and CSOs of Kangpokpi demonstrated their angst against the alleged highhandedness of the 38 AR under Senapati Brigade including the State forces who according to them violated the trust by raiding KNF designated camp and arrested 26 of its cadres.

Hundreds of Kuki protestors held placards reading, "We demand unconditional release of 26 innocent cadres immediately", "Withdraw FIR against KNF leaders, they are our leaders as well", We believe in the tripartite political talks", "Indian armed forces under Senapati Brigade violated the trust and confidence between the Indian Government and SoO Kuki armed groups", "Renew the trust between the Governments and the Kuki people", "Avoid any civil unrest that is likely to follow", "SoO is for both security forces and Kuki UGs", "Treat with respect not with suspect", "If Assam Rifles and police can raid the peace camp where will be peace ?", "Assam Rifles, not friends of the hill people", "We condemn the premeditated deceitful massive military operation at UPF/KNF designated Camp Natheljang", etc.

Kuki leaders addressed the participants at Brig Thomas Ground who marched in the play field raising a chorus of slogans.

Later, various Kuki representatives led by Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi district submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister through Deputy Commissioner at the DC Office Kangpokpi.

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