IMPHAL, March 17: “ The peace process is slow, but we are patient and have trust in the Government. We are hoping for a positive outcome”, Calvin H, External Affairs secretary of the Zomi Revolutionary Organization (ZRO) told reporters at New Lamka today.
He continued on the same line by adding, “ It is given by the Indian constitution under Article 244 and we have a right to demand a State within a State.”Stating that the demand of the United Peoples Front (UPF) is clear and the charter of demands have already been chalked out in the tripartite talks, Calvin added that the pursuance of a parallel administration for the hills of the State is not an easy endeavor for the Union Government to address.
“ The aspirations of the UPF has to be understood by the public, it may not happen overnight or in a couple of years, we know that it is not a simple process to award autonomy for the hills,” he added that the Prime Minister of India has the mandate to streamline the peace process and to address the demand for a parallel administration of the hills.
The rebel leader who is a member of the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) mentioned of expediting the peace talks further by appointing PC Halder as the interlocutor of the tripartite talks. “Unless the interlocutor is appointed, then we are not sure of when the next facilitating meeting will take place”. It may be mentioned that the last meet was held on January 4 at Imphal. The peace process which commenced from January 21,2008 has remained effective till date and the extension is from the month of August to the same month of next year.
The UPF consists of ZRA/ZRO,KNF,UKLF,KRA(U),ZDV,HPC(D) and ZRF.
Calvin who was joined by the ZRO Home Secretary ,Khupthing further stated that the ZRO cadres numbering about a hundred are stationed at a designated camp at Churachandpur and another camp is under construction to house another 200 cadres. He also mentioned that the drug addiction and smuggling has seen a steady decline from the cumulative efforts of the Church, the civil organizations and also the rebel groups vigil.