Demands for territorial council put up in 6th round of political talks

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Jan 10

The sixth round of political talks involving the government of India, government of Manipur, and UPF and KNO chaired today at the National Capital where demand for territorial council has been tabled on the part of UPF and KNO.

In an unprecedented development, the government has appointed former special secretary of the Research and Analysis Wing (R and AW), AB. Mathur to take over as interlocutor for the peace talks and subsequently chaired the political talks today at 11 am.

Prior to the occasion, delegates of governments and UPF and KNO bade adieu to former Interlocutor of the peace negotiation, Dineshwar Sharma.

During the talks, a draft outline of the political demand for formation of Territorial Council in Manipur signed by UPF Spokesperson, Aaron Kipgen and KNO Negotiator Dr. Seilen Haokip was submitted to the government while keeping the demand for statehood in abeyance.

Six delegates from United People’s Front (UPF) and seven delegates from Kuki National Organization (KNO) represented the two umbrella organisations in the peace negotiation.

Speaking over telephone, Aaron Kipgen stated that the peace negotiation is progressing in the right direction and several crucial issues have been discussed to provide constitutional safeguard for the Kukis in Manipur since the beginning of the first political dialogue on June 15, 2016.

“UPF and KNO are thus committed to resolve the age-old political issue with the Government of India and Government of Manipur for peaceful co-existence with all the communities in Manipur”, asserted UPF Spokesperson who is also the General Secretary of Kuki National Front (KNF).

The negotiator for KNO, Dr. Seilen Haokip stated that the historical symbiotic and cordial relations between valley people and the Kukis, which was based on self-determination of each community and respect for each other’s identity and territory, will be renewed and strengthened by Territorial Council for the Kuki people.

Meanwhile, delegates UPF and KNO had a consultation prior to the sixth round of political talks on January 9 at the national Capital and discussed on various crucial issues.

During the consultation meeting, delegates of UPF and KNO, in regards to identity, emphasised the critical need to resolve the issue of identity in view of the common interest to reach a political settlement at the earliest possible date.

The delegates of UPF and KNO also resolved to raise the issue to the top leaders of the two umbrella organisations for a nationwide consultation and following their consent, public meetings be held involving civil society leaders, intellectuals, academics, church leaders etc. as soon as possible in view of their common interest to reach a political settlement at the earliest possible date.