IMPHAL, August 14: The United Peoples’ Front, an umbrella organization of various Kuki underground outfits has mentioned that they will urge the concerned authorities to create a separate Kuki state within Manipur.
The option is considered in regard that the integrity of the state will not be compromised but the UGs are vying for creation of an autonomous tribal state.
At present, the UPF are engaged in Suspension of Operations with the state and central governments.
A media team was briefed in this regard at the KNF designated camp Ebenezer, located at Kangpokpi today.
The representatives of the UG groups are identified as Sanga Hmar, deputy secretary of Hmar Peoples Convention and convenor of UPF, organization secretary of UKLF, and member of the Joint Monitoring Group, Jacob, external affairs secretary of ZRA, Calvin and members of the joint monitoring group, namely Clavin and general secretary of KNF, Arron.
The UG representatives said that since 2006, there has been extension of the Suspension of Operations between the Govt and the outfits.
The need to hold talks with the Indian government is felt to be the need of the hour, according to the UGs.
It was further stated that the right of forming a new state within one as provided by the Constitution of India will be pursued and will be highlighted during the next round of SoO talks.
It is the objective of the UPF, the militants echoed.
It was mentioned that there are at least 800 to 1000 cadres of the UPF and the demand of the cadres includes the formation of the new Kuki state, but it still remains to be seen what the outcome of the next talks will be.
It may be mentioned that ZRA, KNF, ZDV, HPC (D), UKLF and KRA (U) are constituent members of the UPF.