Many condemn Natheljang op; demand release of cadres
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, June 19 2017: Various civil society organisations have vehemently condemned the alleged 'premeditated and deceitful operation' at UPF/KNF designated camp at Natheljang in Kangpokpi district.

Thadou Inpi-GHQ, Hmar Inpui and Zomi Council have jointly condemned the alleged random military operation at KNF designated camp at Natheljang by security forces on June 15 .

A joint press communiqu� issued by the Thadou Inpi, Hmar Inpui and Zomi Council said that they are deeply shocked and surprised to learn about the sudden and random military operation conducted by 38 Assam Rifles and State Police at the designated camp of UPF/KNF, Natheljang in Kangpokpi district.

"It is a matter of insult to the Kuki community and an invitation of misunderstanding among the Kuki community and the security forces", it said.

The random military operation conducted in the guise of head counting of SoO cadres while a tripartite political dialogue between UPF-KNO and the Government of Manipur and Government of India is going on deserved strong condemnation, the joint statement said.

The three Inpis strongly condemned the alleged act of insult perpetrated by the security forces and appealed to all concerned authorities to abide and respect the SoO ground rules so as to maintain peace.

Meanwhile, the three Inpis also appealed to all underground groups to stop fratricidal killing, stating it will not serve any purpose and it will not be a solution to the problems.

At the same time, the apex body of the Kukis, Kuki Inpi and civil society organizations of Kangpokpi district have also vehemently condemned the alleged operation at UPF/KNF designated camp, Natheljang while also demanding the unconditional release of the arrested 26 cadres of KNF and withdrawal of all legal charges against JMG members at the earliest.

The condemnation and demand for release of the arrested 26 cadres of KNF and withdrawal of legal charges upon JMG members came after the joint meeting of Kuki Inpi, Kangpokpi district and various civil society organizations including Thadou Inpi, Kuki Women Union, Thadou Women Association, Kuki Students' Organization, Thadou Student's Association and local bodies of Kangpokpi DHQs at KSO Sadar Hills Administrative office building, Kangpokpi DHQs.

The Kuki bodies in the joint meeting expressed deep concerned over the alleged illegal game upon the Kuki armed group ie, KNO and UPF which are under Suspension of Operation with both the Centre and State Government and strongly condemned the operation at KNF designated camp in guise of head counting on June 15 by personnel of 38 Assam Rifles under Senapati Brigade along with State forces.

Speaking to media persons, Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi general secretary, Lamminlun Singsit said that Kuki who constituted the largest population among the tribals in Manipur struggled for a separate Kuki Homeland for political survival (Right to Equality) according to the Constitution of India in the form of democratic agitation for the past many years.

However, the struggle for its political survival was unfruitful for the 'Kuki Nation' and later some Kuki patriotic leaders initiated arms movement demanding separate 'Kuki homeland for the Kukis' and many young precious lives were lost in the hands of the Army and the State forces, he added.

He also said that the Government of India invited the UPF and KNO for tripartite talks after a long struggle and signed Suspension of Operation by giving separate designated camps for sheltering the cadres and subsequently held two rounds of political dialogue.

He further said that the Kukis' demand for political self-reliance under the Indian Constitution took a forward step with the signing of Suspension of Operation which was a welcome step towards trust and confident building between the Indian Government and Kuki revolutionaries under SoO, he added.

Therefore, it is very unfortunate that the Indian armed forces under Senapati Brigade violated the trust by arresting 26 cadres of KNF from their designated camp Natheljang under false charges and premeditated deceitful tactics, he said and added that Kangpokpi Police will bear witness to this fact.

While demanding the release of all the arrested 26 cadres of KNF immediately without condition and withdraw all charge against the JMG member, Lamminlun Singsit conveyed people's hope that the Government would cease this act to renew the trust between the Governments and the Kuki people and avoid any civil unrest that is likely to follow.

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