Imphal, Aug 19: Touching on myriad issues concerning the State, General Officer Commanding in chief of Eastern Command Lieutenant General Arvind Sharma has sounded a strong warning to Kuki rebel groups to desist from any activities detrimental to the principle and spirit of ceasefire.

Taking note of reports that extortion activities are rampantly carried out by cadres of various Kuki armed groups some of whom had reportedly signed an agreement with the Army for cessation of hostilities, the GOC warned of revoking the understanding if the rebels continue to indulge in extortions.

Interacting with media persons at an army unit location near Imphal Tulihal airport today, Arvind Sharma conveyed that the understanding for suspension of operation against Kuki militant groups numbering about a dozen is still in force.

"We have been telling to these groups that we do not appreciate extortions.

When ever we found members of these groups indulging in extortions, we have picked and handed them over to the police," the Lt Gen said.

"And if these sort of activities continue we may be compelled to cancel the understanding," the Army officer asserted.

When queried whether the state government is aware of the truce, he maintained that the state is 'fully' aware it.

"We are considering whether the state government is entering into a similar agreement with these groups because it is our intention and we have requested the state to go ahead in signing a deal," he added.

Referring to the status of ongoing army�s offensive in combating insurgency in the State, the GOC claimed, "We have made significant progress.

Operations will continue in the same zeal as we have been doing and we are hoping that like other states, Assam perhaps some of the UG groups would like to talk to the government".

Reminding that in Assam it is the public pressure that made ULFA in deciding to start talking with the government, the GOC expressed hope that in the near future owing to public aspiration some insurgent groups operating in Manipur will start negotiation with the government which if it materialise will bring peace and accelerate development of Manipur.

To another poser, he said law and order is a separate issue .

The army is basically looking after 'counter-terrorist operations' being carried out.

Observing that situation in the past six to eight months has improved marginally, the army officer however, regretted that other misdemeanours like extortions and punishments by shooting in the legs by various armed groups are continuing.

"Here the local population has a major part to play.

There is no military solutions to such problems.

we can bring down the level of violence to a certain extent thereafter the political decision/solution will have to be followed.

What I would like to say in other word is military action has to be followed by political consolidation," Arvind Sharma mooted.

Reacting to the recent grenade attack in Iskcon temple he conveyed �very shocking and it should be condemned in the strongest possible term.

It was a blatant act of terrorism.

It is a shame that such a thing has happened and it should be condemned by each one of us�.

Dismissing reports citing presence of designated camp of the NSCN (IM) in Manipur the GOC contended "there was one at Marao village in Ukhrul area but it was pulled off".

To another question, he said the court of inquiry instituted on the Thangjam Manorama Devi case has already been completed but the probe finding cannot be announced because at this juncture as the related case is still pending in the high court.

On the reported intrusion of Myanmarese army inside Indian territory in Manipur he said �if such case come to our notice we take it up to the government of India for necessary actions through diplomatic channels.

�We have no agreement or understanding with the Myanmar Army in terms of operations .

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