Disclosing this today during inaugural function of the designated camp Ebeneger at Natheljang under Sardar Hills in Senapati district today, Manipur chief secretary DS Poonia said that a tripartite 'meeting' involving the leaders of Kuki militant groups under SoO, the Central Government and the Government of Manipur will be held on September 29 in New Delhi where detailed programme to begin the political dialogues will be chalked out. Camp Ebeneger is a designated camp of the Kuki National Front (KNF) which is under the umbrella body of KNO.
Two umbrella organisations--Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United Peoples' Front (UPF) are now engaging in the Suspension of Operation (SoO). There are 18 militant groups under these two umbrella bodies. Till date 10 designated camps have been set up as part of the SoO agreement. Cadres of the Kuki militants under SoO will be given a monthly 'stipend' and these militants will not carry out anti-social activities but only confine in the designated camps. The process of depositing the weapons in the ‘strongrooms’ by these militants has started. The strongrooms have double locks, one each will be handled by the concerned militant outfit and the Government.
Further speaking on the occasion today, the chief secretary of Manipur who is also the chairman of the SoO's Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) said that the existence of SoO has paid off as there has been relative peace in Manipur today.
Kuki Women Union (KWU) president Rose Mangshi urged the Government not to take it easy when the Kuki militants are in the peace camps. Rose while speaking in the ceremony said that the Government should take it seriously with the Kuki militants regarding the political talks. "Now the Kuki militants are doing everything not to violate the SoO ground rules. They have deposited their arms and are now confined in the camps but the Government should come forth to address the Kuki issue without wasting time," Rose Mangshi asserted. She also urged the Kuki militants not to forget for what cause they are fighting all these years. Kuki Nampi Pa-Lai (mediator) president Dr Satkai urged the Kuki leaders to address the flaws and loopholes in the Kuki society saying that as long as there are problems in the Kuki society the success for the community will not come. However, Satkai did not specify what are flaws and loopholes.
~ Morung Express
