IMPHAL, Feb 1: General Secretary of United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA), T Robert Singson, has maintained that it is not a terrorist outfit but one established with the vision of uplifting the people and ushering development. Among the chief agenda of the group is the alleviation of the poor living standard of the downtrodden tribals.
He was speaking to media at a place in Vangai Range today.
He stated that the outfit had taken a stand not to participate at the SoO or home coming ceremony that was planned on December 26 last. It will stick to the stand until the state government commits itself to implement a list of seven proposals it has come up with. Neither will its cadres deposit their arms but shift to the designated camp set up the administration along with the arms.
The list of demands includes creation of an assembly constituency to be reserved for ST by clubbing tribal areas in present Jiribam constituency, construction of inland water ways stations at different spots of Irang and Barak rivers, the release of an advance rehabilitation package of Rs 3 crores , construction of water supply tank at Old Kaiphundai, job creation for its cadres based on their current rank in the organization and educational qualifications, handing of contractual works in the areas to persons recommended by the group and setting up of SDO offices at Vangaikhopi and Longpi.
The UTLA leader said the organization wants peace and now it is up to the state administration to lead the way. It has however decried the engagement of security forces in compelling its cadres to surrender and made an appeal to stop such activities.