IMPHAL, October 7: Even as a significant numbers of militant groups operating in the state have joined the peace process, a state of uncertainty has apparently been building up amongst militant groups regarding the government policy concerning them. Over the past few years, the state has witnessed militant groups especially hill based ones highlighting their grievances in terms of rehabilitation policy and the failure of the government to initiate political dialogue.
For the first time, valley based militants that recently signed tripartite peace pact has broken the silence.
Talking to IFP in this regard, Lalheiba Chairman of the United Revolutionary Front (URF), an umbrella group of three KCP factions, divulged that they gave up arms and joined the mainstream to fulfil the cherished desire of the people which is ‘peace’. However, he observed that they are left to be condemned.
He contended there are no significant efforts in sight till date from the part of the government that could comprehend the Peace Agreement and instead they have abandoned us, he added.
Prior to the signing of the peace agreement, a handful of URF leaders and cadres were taking shelter at the Old Spinning Mill, Loitang Khunour for years. But the numbers gradually increased after the group officially signed the tripartite agreement with both the central and state governments on February 13, 2013, Lalheiba said.
There are over 145 cadres including 13 female cadres and families of 15 cadres, informed the chairman while adding that the government has provided only 100 beds including bedding materials and stopped providing for more.
Moreover, he asserted that they are not provided with adequate rations. The mess are managed from the monthly honorarium of Rs 4000 a month provided to the cadres, he claimed.
The process for depositing Rs 2.5 lakhs in the account of each cadres within the period of two years has not been started, he lamented.
The cadres also face problems of getting in and out of the temporary (designated camp) either to seek medical help or attain important family functions as the authority has not issued identity cards for all the cadres, he continued.
According to him, only 61 identity cards have been completed and so far only 33 have been issued despite completion of verification process.
Another shortcoming was the issue of children education as family members of 15 cadres have moved in, Lalheiba said adding that their recent attempt to persuade a school located in Lamshang turned futile.
The URF chairman lamented that the factors leading to all the grievances including the yet to be initiated peace talks are due to the absence of a Joint Monitoring Group.
Meanwhile, Lalheiba disclosed that there are altogether 33 cases registered against him by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) including the case of planting a bomb inside Raj Bhawan and the Ragailong blast.
Frequent travelling to Guwahati for hearing on the cases has not only imposed a financial burden but also compromised his security as no security escort is granted, said Lalheiba.
Against this backdrop, he appealed the NIA and state government to either withdraw all cases against him or refer the same to the Manipur High Court.