Ahead of 'talks' students hold rally
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, June 24 2019: A day ahead of the 'Kuki Political Talks' between the Govt of India, Govt of Manipur and the UPF and KNO at New Delhi, different Kuki student bodies staged peaceful public rally to show its support and solidarity to the UPF and KNO today at Kangpokpi district headquarters.

The public rally jointly organized by several student bodies of Sadar Hills including TSA Sadar Hills, Zillai Sadar Hills, Gangte Students' Organization Sadar Hills, etc.

under the aegis of Kuki Students' Organization Sadar Hills began at around 1.30 pm from IT Road and culminated at the main bazar of Kangpokpi at around 2.30 pm.

Around 100 students apart from various other civil society organizations leaders including women bodies took part in the rally in support.

The 7th round of 'Political Dialogue' will be held at New Delhi tomorrow.

The rallyists held banners which read as "UPF-KNO Kuki political emissaries", "Public rally to expedite Kuki political solution", "Expedite our demand, Justice delayed is Justice denied", "Expedite Kuki Political Solution", "Students for Peace, No political solution No Rest", "No Kukiland No Rest", etc.

Speaking to media persons on the sideline of the rally, Goulen Haokip, general secretary, KSO Sadar Hills said that the 7th round of talk will be held tomorrow, for which the students have gathered here today to show support and solidarity to the UPF and the KNO.

He continued that it is also a message to the Government of India to acknowledge the aspirations of the Kuki people and expedite the talk process.

The student leader added that the rally is also meant to give a strong message to the UPF and KNO, who represent the 23 cognate tribes of the Kukis that the student community spiritedly stand united behind them.

Meanwhile, source from UPF confirmed that seven delegates will represent the UPF in the dialogue including ST Thangboi, chairman UPF; Aaron Kipgen, spokesperson UPF; Calvin H, president ZRA/ZRO; Jacob Haokip, UKLF; Henkholal Doungel, KRF; David Chongloi, KRA(U); and Sanga Hmar, HPC(D) .

On the other hand, similar number of delegates will represent KNO according to a source while the delegates will include PS Haokip, president KNO; David Hangshing, vice president KNO; Dr Seilen Haokip, negotiator KNO; Tongpu Haokip, secretary Home; TS Haokip, secretary Defense; L Jacob Khongsai and Lutginlal Manlun, JMG.

A draft outline of the political demand for formation of 'Territorial Council' signed by UPF spokesperson, Aaron Kipgen and KNO negotiator Dr Seilen Haokip was tabled during the 6th round of talks last year on January 10 when newly appointed Interlocutor, AB Mathur chaired the talks for the first time after he replaced Dineshwar Sharma as the Interlocutor.

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