Khoupum objects to SoO camp for Kuki UGs in its vicinity

Imphal, Dec 9 : Alleged lack of proper assessment of sites by the government in locating designated camps for the Kuki militant groups which have entered into a Suspension of Operation (SoO) with the government has become a matter of serious concern for non-Kuki communities.

The matter came to light following strong objections by non-Kuki groups in opening of a proposed designated camp for one of the SoO Kuki underground outfits at Zoujangtian/Zoujangtek under Khoupum police station of Nungba sub-division under in Tamenglong district.

Reacting sharply to the proposed construction of a designated camps the All Zaliangrong Students Union, AZSU, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, urged the state government to reconsider the plan to set up designated camp.

Zoshua Dangmei, general secretary, AZSU, who spoke to IFP this morning disclosed that the AZSU strongly feels that Kuki militants and Naga Nationalists groups should set up peace camps in their respective areas to avoid undesirable conflicts and consequences.

The reported proposal to set up a designated camp at Zoujangtiang/Zoujangtek which lie in the Naga dominated subdivision could create much complicacy and inconveniencies for all concerned, he said.

Dangmei further mentioned that any agreement taken in respect of the proposal for opening peace camps or designated centres of any underground group holding truce with the government should not be directed against the interest of other sections of the people, he added.

If such camps are opened, the Kuki militants would offend the Naga populace surrounding the village of Zoujangtiang/Zoujangtek.

Zoujangtek is a former hamlet of Longsai (Nungsai) village under Khoupum valley under Nungba Police subdivision in Tamenglong district, he said.

Dangmei further appealed to the concerned authorities to reconsider the reported decision to open designated camps at Zoujangtek.

He also said if the government insists on having the designated camp at the disputed spot, the union would not take it lying down.

The delicate peace process must not be jeopardised by such thoughtlessness of the government he said. The turmoil which is predicted to result may not be in the interest of all concerned, the AZSU general secretary further warned.

via The Imphal Free Press