Kuki bodies flay IRB for assaulting UKLF cadre

IMPHAL, Feb 10: A cadre of the armed United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF) which is a signatory to the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with the Government was allegedly picked by three personnel of 3rd IRB posted at Molnoi from near Pallel Bazar last night and released today after subjecting him to severe torture at their post.Decrying the conduct of the IRB personnel and terming it as violation of ground rules of the SoO, Kuki Women’s for Human rights, Tengnoupal area and Kuki Chiefs’ Association, Tengnoupal Block have demanded immediate removal of the IRB post from Molnoi.Addressing a press conference in this connection at Molnoi village today, president of Kuki Women for Human Rights Lalam Mate informed that the UKLF cadre identified as Lalboi Haokip (22) s/o Thangkhu-sei Haokip of Pallel was picked up and taken to their post by three IRB personnel of the Molnoi post who were in inebriated condition and in civvies from near the village gate at around 7.30 pm yesterday. At the time of his arrest, Lalboi was not in uniform or armed.Asserting that the conduct of the IRB personnel is in violation of the ground rules of SoO, Lalam Mate observed that in the event of retaliatory action from the side of UG group, it is innocent public of the area who would have faced the brunt.Maintaining that there have been similar instances in the past of violating the ground rules of SoO by the security forces , Lalam Mate demanded that the State Government and other related authorities take up necessary action against the security personnel involved in such cases.The president of Kuki Chief’s Association, Tengnoupal Block TM Holkhokhai Haokip categorically stated in case of confrontation between the two parties, the IRB post at Molnoi and the State Government should be held responsible.The Joint Monitoring Group should also pay due attention to violation of the SoO ground rules by the security forces, Holkhokhai added.On the other hand, talking to some mediapersons somewhere in Chandel district today, TL Jacob Thadou, who is a member of the Joint Monitoring Group of UKLF strongly condemned the conduct of the IRB personnel.“We respect and adhere to the ground rules of SoO. But the State forces have been acting on the contrary. Even if the security forces arrested any person, he/she should be duly handed over to the JMG’’, he said, adding that the conduct of the State forces has belittled the very purpose of JMG. ‘Everytime, an underground cadre was arrested, the State forces charged him/her with extorting money. It is true that no UG group which is a signatory of SoO should serve monetary demand or impose taxes on the public. On the other hand, the Govt is also supposed to provide monthly stipend to the cadres. But so far no such benefits have been extended. So how the UG cadres are supposed to survive without money’’, Jacob demanded to know.S