UPF appeals for release of Vice Chairman
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 22 2012: The United People's Front (UPF) has appealed to the authorities concerned for unconditional release of its vice chairman Lalroupuia who was arrested by Mizoram Police from Silchar Airport along with a deputy commander of the group on June 10 .

Significantly, UPF is a party to the Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact signed with the State Government and Government of India.

Lalroupuia and deputy commander Viek were arrested by Mizoram Police on the charge of planning to carry out subversive activities.

Speaking to media persons at KNF's Ebenezer Camp this afternoon, UPF's former convenor Jacob Thadou said that the arrest of Lalroupuia and Viek would slow down SoO process.

Kuki UG groups, being signatory of the tripartite SoO pact, assumed that they can move freely anywhere in India.

As families and relatives of Kuki UG groups under SoO pact reside/stay in different places outside India, it is assumed that Kuki UG cadres can move freely anywhere in India under the SoO pact which came into effect from August 22, 2008 , Jacob said.

However, following arrest of the vice chairman and the deputy commander, many leaders of Kuki UG groups now feel insecure even to go to New Delhi for holding political dialogues.

UPF convenor L Sanga Hmar who is staying at Ankhosuo Camp in Churachandpur district close to Mizoram border is now reluctant to come for the monthly Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) meetings.

Such sense of insecurity evoked by the arrest of the two leaders would pose impedance to the dialogue process.

Pointing out that Silchar Airport is not under the jurisdiction of Mizoram Police, Jacob questioned if the Centre was involved when Lalroupuia and Viek were arrested from Silchar by Mizoram Police.

The former convenor also appealed to Mizoram Police to withdraw the cases/allegations filed against Lalroupuia and Viek and set them free without any condition at the earliest.

Jacob further remarked that Manipur Development Society (MDS) is a competent implementing agency for the many schemes and projects initiated by the State Government.

UPF is satisfied with the way MDS has been implementing schemes and projects in hill districts like construction of designated camps for SoO groups, quarters for chowkidars, water tanks, installation of street lamps, construction of solar power plants etc.

Construction of two designated camps is nearing completion, and MDS would soon begin construction of three other designated camps.

Remarking that MDS has been implementing many other schemes/programmes quite successfully in hill districts like construction of community halls, waiting sheds, market sheds, public toilets, integrated rural water supply schemes, residential staff quarters for RMSA and PHSCs, district hospitals etc, Jacob Thadou urged the Govt not to let MDS face any fund constraint.

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