IMPHAL, March 12: An unanimous opinion was stated by the three valley based underground organizations currently holding tripartite peace talks. The United Revolutionary Front (URF), KYKL (MDF) and KCP (Lamphel) mooted their stance that there is no surrendering of arms or having surrendered to the Government. They have clarified that the three groups are currently in `peace talks and under negotiations` with the authorities and that their stance have been taken in the interest of the public.
Talking to media persons in the regard at Manipur Press Club this afternoon, Home secretary of the URF, Puyam Ruhini Meitei stated that the three groups have set up a ‘Peace Talks Committee’ and will join hands in deciding key issues.
He mentioned that the stance of holding peace talks was initiated by the Government and not by the outfits, and following the decision had come into an agreement. “The Nagas and Kukis are already in suspension of operations, why cannot the Meitei organizations conduct peace talks? We are interested in bringing back peace to the State as aspired by the public and to promote a work culture,” he said.
The home secretary also added that nothing has been signed with the Government under pressure and if there is lack of transparency from the Union or State government , then the peace talks can be called off anytime. “We can return back and our cadres who are still outside will not come in if we are continually mentioned as ‘surrenderees’,” he stated. The leaders of the organizations present at the press meet decried the news being published in some papers stating that the outfits have surrendered. It was also clarified that one Achouba and Athouba of the KYKL(MDF) is one individual and there has been confusion in media reports regarding the matter.
The conference was attended by Meisnam Gopeshwor alias Athouba, President of the KYKL (MDF) and Haobijam Dilip alias Tabungba, General secretary of KCP (Lamphel).