Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 25 2009:
Close on the heels of signing Suspension of Operation (SoO) with the Kuki UG groups successfully, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh-led SPF Government has started taking up necessary steps to enter into similar agreement with the armed PULF (Azad) faction.
According to a reliable source, a meeting of the State Cabinet held yesterday with Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh in the chair has recommended to the Union Home Ministry for initiating peace process with PULF (Azad) faction along with the participation of the Centre and the State Government.
In the proposed peace talks with the PULF (Azad) faction, the State Government would be represented by the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary and DGP, the source said, adding, however, that the approval of the Home Ministry is still needed for initiating the peace talks with the UG group.
Yesterday's Cabinet meeting had also reportedly discussed the process of the peace process with the KCP (MC) Lallumba group.
It may be noted here that the first round of talks with the KCP group was held at New Delhi.
Subsequent to the talks, the UG group had also furnished details of its cadres to the Police, Army and Assam Rifles.
The source further disclosed that the meeting of the State Cabinet had also deliberated on the issues related to the armed cadres of KNO and UPF which have signed the Suspension of Operation with the State and the Central Governments.
The source explained that as there is some confusion over the exact number of cadres of KNO and UPF, issuing of identity cards to the cadres with exception to their leaders have been stalled until proper verification of the matter.
However, necessary fund for setting up the designated camps of the UG groups which are signatories of the Suspension of Operation had already been released, the source added.