The camp christened Nazareth Camp was inaugurated with a solemn function by Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) president Thangkhosei Haokip.
The function was attended by representatives of the Dingpi Area Chiefs’ Association, KSO general Hqs, other social organisations together with the local people.
Speaking at the occasion as chief guest, Thangkhosei appreciated the activities undertaken by the UKLF.
UKLF signed the tripartite SoO pact under the Kuki UG’s conglomerate United People’s Front (UPF).
Other constituent organisations of the UPF are KRA, KNF (P), KNF (Samuel), ZRA, HPC-D, KLA (UPF) and ZDV (UPF).
Later speaking to media persons, publicity and information secretary JM Zou said that the designated camp is officially named Muvan-phai camp though it is popularly called Nazareth camp by the cadres and the local people.
In addition to five barracks, the camp also houses administrative block, office of the commandant, officers’ quarters etc.
Against Rs 50 lakhs sanctioned by he Government, the camp costs more than Rs one crore. More money than the estimated costs was spent on earth work and material transportation, JM Zou said.
UKLF organisation secretary TL Jacob Thadou who is also convenor of the Joint Monitoring Group as a representative of the UPF said that political dialogue may be initiated after the latest extension of SoO pact for 45 days on August 20 last.
He said that the UKLF submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh recently.
The memorandum beseeched the Prime Minister to form the Kuki (Khurmi) Development Council through a political dialogue and to raise Kuki Regiment comprising of the cadres of the outfits under SoO pact.
The Kuki Development Council may be constituted in the lines of Bodoland Territorial Council, North Ca- char Hills Autonomous Council or the Karbi Ang-long Autonomous Council. In case the above demands are not put into action, the outfit in consultation with the Kuki people would take up further actions deemed necessary, Jacob said.
Stating the UKLF has been struggling to forge within the Kuki tribes, the JMG convenor iterated that the UKLF was set up ag-ainst exploitation (inclu- ding rape) of Kuki women and children by other groups.
Claiming that the UKLF never indulged in any act of exploitation against any people, Jacob said that they felt elated when other Kuki groups started imitating the outfit.
The UKLF was the first among Kuki UG groups to open its own camp even before SoO camp came into force and it was called Sinai camp. However, the name has been changed after a designated camp belonging to another group was given the same name.
The statement given by Chief Minister O Ibobi in the State Assembly that leaders of the outfit were being given monthly emoluments of Rs 5000 whereas monthly stipend of the 140 cadres could not be paid since March this year was false, Jacob contended.
The CM’s statement could create misunderstandings between the outfit and the people, he added.
~ TSE
