Chandel bodies toughen stand against KNLF designated camp
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 04 2014: Kuki civil society bodies in Chandel District have warned of launching a series of intense agitations including imposition of bandh along the National Highways if the voice of the people were ignored and the designated camp of Kuki National Liberation Front (KNLF) was not removed from Semol village within June 10 .

A resolution to this effect was taken during a joint meeting of Kuki People's Forum, Chandel District; Kuki Chief's Association (KCA) Chandel District, Thadou Students' Association (TSA) Chandel District; Kuki Students' Organization (KSO) Chandel District, Kuki Women Human Rights, Chandel District; United Zou Organization ( UZO) Gunpi, Dingpi Area Kuki Truck owners Association and Kuki Chief's Association Gunpi, Tengnoupal, Machi, Kana and Khengjoy Block held held at Gunpi Area Chiefs Association's Hall located at S.Munpi Village today.

While briefing media persons after the joint meeting, Sokhomang Haokip, President of Kuki Chiefs' Association Chandel District said several civil society bodies of Chandel District including Chandel District Joint Naga Kuki Committee and Chandel Naga People's Organization have strongly opposed to setting up of a new designated camp in the District and several memorandum in this regard have been submitted to the State and the Central government.

However, it is very unfortunate that the State Government ignored the voices of the people of Chandel District and allowed the construction work on the designated camp of KNLF to continue under the supervision of DIG 26 Sector Assam Rifles despite stiffed opposition from several civil bodies.

He warned that if the state government continues to ignore the voice of the people and not remove the said designated camp within June 10, civil society bodies of Chandel District will launch a series of intense agitations including imposition of bandh along the National Highways.

Sokhomang also accused KNLF cadres of extorting and collecting taxes in collusion with the Assam Rifles personnel from vehicles carrying timbers and intimidating the village Chiefs and civil organization leaders for opposing to setting up of new designated camp in the District.

While expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Home Affairs, North East Division, Government of India for considering the voice of the people and issued an Order for not setting up any new designated camp at Simol village on 23rd May 2014, Jammang Baite President of Kuki People's Forum, Chandel District questioned why DIG 26 Sector Assam Rifles, Brig.

Rajiv Mankotia was so much excited and interested in setting up of a designated camp for surrendered cadres despite the order of the Ministry of Home Affairs, North East Division, Government of India and against the wishes of the people.

Reacting to the claim made by some some faction of KNLF some days back in some local dailies, Baite asserted that in addition to Lalmoi and Tilthang who deserted the outfit, all other surrendered cadres are fake including Helun Haokip, who is also the proprietor of a Rice Hotel at Paona Bazar and others are rickshaw drivers and daily labourers lured by the two deserted cadres for staging fake surrender drama in collusion with the DIG 26 Sector Assam Rifles.

The Forum President further warned that if DIG 26 Sector Assam Rifles and the state government do not withdraw their stands against the people wishes and continue to set up the said designated camp at Semol village, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) case will be taken up in the court against them.

The DIG 26 Sector Assam Rifles and the State Government should also be held responsible for any consequences arising from setting up of the said designated camp against the wishes of the people, he added.

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