Imphal, December 29: Celebrating its 5th anniversary today somewhere at Senapati district, information and publicity secretary of the Kuki Revolutionary Army, DT Haokip announced that the outfit is set to expand its area of operation from next year.

Attended by leaders of the Central Committee of the outfit and villagers, the day was marked by the hoisting of the KRA flag with good will messages being sent to the people to coincide with the coming of the New Year.

Snacks and delicacies were distributed to the villagers.

The anniversary was also observed at five places where the KRA operates including two at Assam and one at Nagaland.

Revolutionary salutes were also paid to all the departed cadres of the outfit.

Addressing the gathering DT Haokip said that the KRA is set to expand its area of operations and added that it will take up a number of developmental works for the undeveloped Kuki villages.

Chief of army staff of the KRA also addressed the gathering and urged all the cadres to work towards their goal without any fear.

He added that the cadres should extend their help and aid to all the Kuki people in times of crisis.

Responding to queries on the killing of one Meitei youth at Yaingangpokpi and the gunning down of the father of the chief of army staff of the KRA and one Tangkhul after dragging them down from a bus near Sanakeithel, spokesmen of the outfit, Anthony Hangshing and Joyson Vaiphei said that the incidents were unfortunate.

The KRA does not take the Kuki National Army as its enemy, said the spokesmen but added that if the KNA continues targeting innocent people, then the KRA will also take up its own course of action.

The KRA has taken up arms to help develop the Kuki people, said the spokesmen and added that the action taken up by KNA is against the interest of the Kuki people.

There is no ground for the KNA to be formed in the name of the Kukis if they are intent of carrying out their wrong deeds, they added.

Accusing the KNA of triggering off an ethnic strife from 1992 to 1998, the spokesmen said that the recent killing of one Meitei youth and one Tangkhul can give rise to communal tension and added that the KNA should stop such tactics.

Levelling further charges against the KNA, the spokesmen said that they are working in close co-ordination with the security force to check the activities of the underground organisations and added that KNA was formed by a political leader to ensure his victory during the election.

The KNA has never worked for the interest of the Kuki, they said and urged the people to study their activities.

The KNA has teamed up with the Indian army in the operations at Sajik Tampak, charged the KRA and observed that such action has portrayed the Kuki people in the wrong light.

Such action is being repeated at Churachandpur, they added.

The spokesmen further said that the KNA has been subjecting the villagers, who come under the operation areas of the KRA,.

to immense hardship and accused them of extorting from the public under security provided by the Indian army.

The KRA will not remain mute spectators to such practice, assured the spokesmen.

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