UMLA celebrates raising day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 17 2013: The United Minorities Liberation Army (UMLA), affiliated to KNO and which is currently under SoO pact with the Government of Manipur and Government of India, celebrated its 8th raising day at their Hermon Camp located at Chelep village, Tengnougpal, Chandel district today.

KNO home secretary T Anton Kuki, UMLA commander-in-chief K Khaling, Hermon Camp CO Hemlin Haokip, OC (Statistical) Thangboi Haokip, Chelep village chief L Holkhukhai Mate, UMLA home secretary Lelen Haokip and social worker Lien were seated on the dais at the raising day function.

Speaking to media persons on the occasion, , UMLA commander-in-chief K Khaling decried that the Government was yet to fulfil what it promised to the outfit five years back.

There was no sign of Government acting on its assurance to organise vocational training programme for cadres.

UMLA cadres at the function

Conceding that the party leadership cannot look after the needs of cadres satisfactorily, Khaling lamented that the Government never released the monthly stipend in time.

After the Government constructed the Hermon Camp at its expense, it did not pay a single penny for the extension which was made out of sheer necessity.

Government officials, during joint monitoring group meetings, repeatedly swore to translate into action what it promised at the time of signing SoO pact.

But so far, all the promises and assurances remain unfulfilled.

Spelling out the main objective and ideology of the outfit, K Khaling said that 'self dependence' and freedom from external as well as internal suppression are its cherished dreams.

He called upon all sections of society to move forward for better development in today's 21st century by way of building confidence in the public arena.

Saying that UMLA would not compromise any move aimed disintegrating the society, Khaling maintained that they would not tolerate mental suppression of minority tribes in Manipur.

UMLA would work for promotion of bilateral relationship within all indigenous minority tribes in North East India and Myanmar, particularly those settled in and around Chandel district and Chindwin region of Myanmar.

He further highlighted the importance of unity all indigenous minority tribes for achieving the aspiration for equal rights, protection of identity, biodiversity and rich traditional culture.

When initiating any development measure in any place, every community should be treated equally and its due share should be distributed to all underprivileged indigenous minority tribes.

There should not be any place for the word 'discrimination' in a healthy society and for the sake of future development, he asserted.

Pledging that UMLA would always stand for the welfare and development of all ethnic indigenous minority tribes through thick and thin, K Khaling said that one must cultivate the spirit of 'forget and forgive' so that there is no more bloodshed or violence.

The commander-in-chief, on behalf of UMLA, paid salute to the bravehearts who have laid down their lives in the line of duty for liberation of minority tribes.

Khaling further conveyed best wishes to all the people of Kangleipak (Manipur, revolutionary groups of the region, SoO groups as well as the media fraternity.

The raising day function was also attended by church leaders, village leaders, armed groups affiliated to KNO and Chelep villagers.