Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 27 2009:
The fourth meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) with KNO and UPF leaders will be held at Imphal tomorrow.
So far 11 designated camps, six for UPF and five for KNO which are under Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact with the State and Central Governments, have been identified, informed a source.
It is reported that the ZRA is demanding one more designated camp.
With the KNO claiming to have 1500 cadres while UPF puts the figure at 2500, identity cards have not been issued to cadres of the two conglomerates of Kuki UG groups.
On the other hand, the State Govt has already stated that it would not recognise any cadre of these groups staying outside Manipur and they would not be given stipend.
The State Govt has also incorporated Rs 10 crores in the budget.
Out of these, Rs 3 crores have been sanctioned and the same have been started utilising in purchasing GI sheets and other materials for construction of designated camps.
Formal political dialogue with these groups will begin only after the UG cadres stay together at designated camps and their weapons deposited at these camps, added the source.