KNLF says expulsion politically motivated
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 15 2015 : KNLF Semol camp commander Laldenga has alleged that they were ousted from their designated camp of Semol together with some villagers by UKLF in cahoot with 6th Dogra Regiment for their unwillingness to vote for BJP candidates in the ensuing ADC election.

Their move is driven by another sinister design to take over Maokot and Semol villages, said Laldenga.

Altogether 19 KNLF cadres and 14 women and children of Maokot and Semol villagers have been taking refuge at Chehlep Hermon designated camp located under Tengnoupal sub-division after their ouster from Semol camp.

Speaking to some media persons at Harmon designated camp today, Laldenga said that there was a tiff between KNLF cadres and PMGSY workers at Saihang village of Khengjoy block.

Even as the KNLF offered to buy pigs and pay medical bills for injured people in accordance to Kuki customary law, the Dogra Regiment flatly rejected the offer.

Following the incident, troops of 6th Dogra Regiment led by CO Sandeep Maden and Major BK Pathania surrounded KNLF's Semol camp at around 3.30 am of May 12 .

Soon it was intimated that KNLF's camp would be shifted to Chehlep.

On seeing the troops surrounding the camp, villagers came out and asked the troops to show the order for shifting the KNLF's camp.

Instead of showing any order, the CO allegedly threatened the villagers to leave the area.

Terrified by the CO's threats, all male villagers left their homesteads, Laldenga said.

It was the UKLF's plan to oust KNLF from the Semol camp so that they can take over Maokot and Semol villages.

Since the past two years back, UKLF has been conspiring to occupy the two villages forcibly.

Laldenga further alleged that Dogra Regiment once asked KNLF to work for BJP in the ensuing ADC election.

At this, KNLF made it clear that they would not take part in the election.

This response may have aggrieved the Dogra Regiment, he added.

Some women who are taking refuge at Chehlep maintained that they would not return to their native village until all the KNLF cadres go back to Semol camp.

They said that UKLF used to take half of their annual paddy produce.

This illegal taxation stopped only after the arrival of KNLF cadres in the area, they added.

On the other hand Chehlep villagers said that they have been already bearing the burden of hosting three camps.

Another more would be too much for the village which is quite small in area.

If more camp should be added, the villagers would be compelled to shift their village to another area, they said.

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