SoO groups' leaders leave for New Delhi
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 07 2014 : Leaders of Kuki militant organizations which have entered into the Suspension of Operation pact with both the Centre and the State Government have left for the National capital to press the Central leaders for initiating political dialogue, their long-standing demand.

The time seems to be ripe for some ethnic groups to raise their political issue in the backdrop of the Telangana issue, opined the leaders.

Over 20 Kuki militant groups under two apex bodies - Kuki National Organization (KNO) and United People's Front (UPF) - are signatories of the Suspension of Operation (SOO), a tripartite ceasefire agreement endorsed between them and the State and Central Governments.

The cadres, who are getting stipend from the Government, are putting up at their respective designated camps in the hill districts.

A designated camp of the SoO Group

Leaders of UPF and KNO have expressed strong dissatisfaction over the way the Kuki political issue has been allegedly neglected by the Centre till date, a source said.

To insist the Central leaders for initiating the long awaited political dialogue, a team of SoO leaders led by Aron Kipgen, general secretary of Kuki National Front (KNF) and UPF convener left the State for New Delhi a few days back, he added.

The decision to meet the Central leaders was adopted during a meeting of the Joint Working Committee of UPF and KNO convened last month.

"It unanimously resolved to work together on common issues and pressurize the Centre and the State to begin the political dialogue with the Kuki SoO groups," he added.

A joint memorandum of UPF and KNO signed by ST Thangboi Kipgen, chairman UPF and PS Haokip, president KNO would be submitted to Union Home Minister, Sushil Kumar Shinde.

They are also preparing to meet AICC vice president Rahul Gandhi and general secretary Luizinho Faleiro to insist on their intervention in the matter to ensure that political dialogue begins soon.

Earlier UPF had threatened to boycott the Congress in the coming Lok Sabha elections in the hills of Manipur if appointment of interlocutor is not announced before the polls.

The heat seems to be on once again in Manipur as both the Naga and Kuki groups move to draw the Government's attention before the polls.