3 UG groups sign tripartite MoU
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, February 13 2013: Three underground organisations of the State namely United Revolutionary Front (URF), Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP)-Lamphel group and Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup-Military Defence Force (KYKL-MDF) entered into an accord and signed Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Government and the Government of Manipur today.

A total of 197 cadres, including leaders of the three outfits- 90 cadres of URF, 40 cadres of KCP (Lamphel) and 67 cadres of KYKL (MDF), who have already reported to the temporary designated camps, attended the ceremony of signing the Tripartite MoU which was hosted in the Banquet Hall of 1st Manipur Rifles here with Chief Minister O Ibobi as Chief Guest and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam as President.

Ministers I Hemochandra, Abdul Nasir, Govindas Konthoujam, Francis Ngajokpa, Phunzathang Tonsing and DGP Y Joykumar, IG (Assam Rifles) and senior officers of Assam Rifles, Army and the state Police Department were also present on the occasion.

On behalf of the Government of India, the MoU was signed inked by Shambhu Singh, Joint Secretary (NE), Ministry of Home Affairs while Dr J Suresh Babu, Principal Secretary (Home) appended his signature on behalf of the Government of Manipur.

Khwairakpam Gopendro alias Lanheiba (Chairman), Puyam Mangiyaima Meitei alias Ruhuni Meitei (Secretary Home Affairs) and Ngangom Soviet Meitei alias Chingkheinganba Meitei signed the MoU on behalf of URF.

For KCP (Lamphel), the MoU was signed by Naorem Brojen Meitei alias City Meitei (Chief of Army) and Taibangnganba alias Dilip (Joint Secretary) while the MoU with KYKL (MDF) was signed jointly by Maisnam Athouba (President) and Laimayum Ronel Sharma alias Achouba (General Secretary) .

The UG groups also surrendered huge cache of arms and ammunition to the state Government during the ceremony.

These include 3 AK-56 rifles, 12 AK-47 rifles, three 9mm rifles, one .32 rifle, 11 9mm carbines, 35 9mm pistols, 34 7.65 pistols, eight .32 pistols, one 9mm revolver, eight lethod guns, seven SBLs, one air pistol, one shot gun, three RPGs, two M- 16s, two M-04s, one SLR and five grenades.

Speaking on the occasion, CM, Ibobi welcomed all the cadres of the three UG groups to the mainstream and assured that the first priority of the State Government concerning the UG cadres who have left behind violence and come to the path of peaceful negotiations, would be to provide proper rehabilitation and safety.

"We all need to come up together for peace and prosperity in the State and for the welfare of our future generations to come", the CM exhorted.

As per the MoU signed today, the leaders of the three UG groups would bring all their remaining cadres along with weapons within 90 days of signing of the MoU. The leaders and cadres who have joined the peace process will be rehabilitated as per the Rehabilitation Policy notified by the MHA and approved by the state Cabinet.

These groups will be temporarily stationed with Army or Assam Rifles camps and later shifted to the designated camps, which will be constructed.

The cadres will get a monthly salary of Rs 4,000 for a period of two years.

They will also be paid an amount of Rs 2, 50, 000/- per cadre for rehabilitation purpose.

This amount will be kept in fixed deposit in the name of the cadre and will be paid with interest to the cadre after a locking period of two years.

The cadres will also be provided vocational training and training in art of living.

If the cadre wishes to seek self-employment before the expiry of locking period of deposit, the state Government will facilitate loans from banks against the amount deposited in fixed deposit.

Government will make efforts to employ the cadres in paramilitary forces subject to their eligibility.

The MoU has also made it clear that the cadres of three UG groups should not involve in any anti-social activities.

If they are found involving in criminal activities, they will be dealt as per the law.

The state Government will provide security to the cadres at the designated camps.

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