Imphal, March 19: After holding him in captivity for 61 days on alleged charge of taking Rs 9 lakhs from the army authorities to effect the ceasefire with Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) and attempting to politically and physically assassinate its cadres, the Kuki underground outfit yesterday released Dr T Lunkim at a place in Sadar Hills.

The 80-year old senior Kuki Church leader was handed over to representatives of Kuki Inpi, Kuki Mothers' Association, Kuki Students' Organisation, Kuki Movement for Human Rights, Kuki Christian Leaders' Fellowship at around 1 pm.

After his release, Dr Lunkim was brought from Molmom to Imphal under the security escort of Assam Rifles.

Earlier, talking to mediapersons, information secretary of Kuki Liberation Army (KLA/KLO) Malsawn Vaiphei said that Dr Lunkim tried to assassinate KLA and all its cadres politically and physically by effecting suspension of operation with security forces through a man named PM Thangeo without consultation on August 2, 2005.After that the security forces were pressed into repeated operations against KLA.

He also made another attempt to carry out a coup against KLA, and this was confirmed after arresting some of his agents, Malsawn said.

A sum of Rs 9 lakhs which Dr Lunkim had taken from the Army through PM Thangeo to effect the purported ceasefire agreement between the KLA and the army has been refunded to the outfit, he added.

Disclosing other 'crimes' committed by Dr Lunkim, the information secretary said that Dr Lunkim sowed seeds of dissension and disunity in Kuki society with his petty politics and misused his position as a Church leader and a human rights activist.

Dr Lunkim was also responsible for the formation of Upa Inpi (elders assembly), the main purpose of which was to counter the activities of Kuki Inpi, the apex Kuki body, the information secretary further charged.

He had been warned on a number of occasion for his misconduct earlier, the information secretary said, and added that for all his misdeeds, the outfit had earlier decided to award him capital punishment, but had to change the verdict in favour of Kuki customary law in view of the appeals made by his family members and other social organisations, the information secretary said.

'Although we have shown clemency this time so that he could amend his ways, but he would not be spared in future if he continue with the same habit', the information secretary warned.

Abduction of Dr Lunkim has nothing to do with ransom demand.

He was to be set free on March 16, but delayed due to the bandh called, the information secretary clarified, while expressing resentment against the interference from some organisations like UCM and UPF in the internal affairs of the outfit.

The information secretary further warned that action would be taken up if the Kuki Inpi led by P Gangte does not withdraw its registration.

KLA is, however, grateful to Dr Lunkim for his translation work of Bible in Kuki dialect and contribution made in telecast of Kuki programmes on Manila radio, he added.

Dr Lunkim who was paraded before mediapersons said he would not interfere in the activities of KLA/KLO in future and would accept any punishment given to him in future if he repeats the same mistake again.

He also pledged that he would not associate himself with Kuki Movement for Human Rights and Upa Inpi henceforth.

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