Imphal, August 28: The United Committee Manipur (UCM), while welcoming all move to promote peace in the State raised posers on the reported move of the State Government to strike suspension of operation truce with Kuki armed groups.

A statement issued by the information and public relation in-charge of the UCM, BM Yaima Shah opined that similar agreements reached between armed outfits and Central security forces provided neither security to the general public nor relieved the masses from atrocities committed by anti-social elements.

further construing that the State Government's move to sign the truce clearly reflects blindly toeing on the line adopted by the Centre without taking into account ground reality, UCM reminded that such deal reached in the past is akin to licensing cadres of armed groups persist with extortion activities and abduction for ransom.

Substantiating its argument by citing closure of the LPG bottling plant in Sekmai owing to inability of coping with monetary demand of the KRA organisation and recent incident of abducting LPG transporters, UCM questioned compatibility of such agreement when security agencies could not check free movement of armed cadres or control their activities.

In addition to expressing that ceasefire under the concept of peaceful settlement of the armed movement had never been adhered to religiously by parties involved, the body cautioned the State Govt that such misconceived peace deals would only strain relationships amongst various communities as there is no let up of atrocities and harassments against innocent people even after agreements are reached to cease hostilities between UGs and security forces.

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