Imphal, February 26, 2010: The Kuki National Front (KNF) which a signatory of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact has raised the demand of separate State for Kukis within the Constitution of India to the visiting Union Home Secretary GK Pillai today.

Home GK Pillai, accompanied by Ministry of Home Affairs Director (North East) MC Mahenathan, arrived at Imphal this morning on a two day visit amidst the boycott call by the proscribed Revolutionary People�s Front (RPF).

The Home Secretary and the Director visited KNF�s designated camp Ebenezer at Natheljang on the Koubru range near Sapermaina in Senapati district.

Capitalising on the Home Secretary�s visit, the KNF raised the demand for a separate State of Kukis or Kukiland.

Chief Secretary DS Poonia, DGP Y Joykumar, Commissioner (Home) V Vumlumang, IG (L/O-III) V Zathang, DIG (Range IV) Sushilkumar and Senapati DC Nidhi Kesarwani accompanied the Home Secretary to the designated camp.

At Ebenezer camp, the Home Secretary shook hands with the KNF cadres present there who also introduced themselves.

KNF's external secretary H Aaron Kipgen besides submitting a memorandum to the Home Secretary, put up a proposal for political dialogue with the aim of carving out Kukiland in line with the aspirations of Kuki people, within the constitution of India.

Notably, KNF entered SoO pact under UPF, one of the two conglomerates of Kuki armed groups.

The other being KNO.

KNF, established in 1987 is one of the oldest Kuki underground organisations.

It signed SoO pact in August, 2008. Talking to media persons at Ebenezer camp, GK Pillai welcomed the act of giving up arms for peace.

He also appreciated the changes that took place since the pact was signed.

A memorandum asking for addition of certain activities at the camp has been received.

Necessary fund to take up the desired activities would be provided, Pillai said.

Observing that cadres staying at the camp were still carrying weapons, the Home Secretary stated that all weapons should be deposited at one place.

To a query by journalists about the KNF�s open demand for a separate Kukiland, Pillai said that the matter would be discussed when leaders of the group come to New Delhi next week.

The Government of India has been making initiatives to bring different rebel groups to the negotiating table.

The DHD and UPDS operating in Assam have given up arms and the process of dialogue has already begun, Pillai said.

External secretary Aaron Kipgen, later talking to media persons separately, said that their scheduled Delhi sojourn is to initiate political dialogue, of which formation of Kukiland would be the main agenda.

On being asked how would the KNF react in case their primary demand for separate state is turned down, Aaron said that the issue merits dialogue as it is within the Constitution.

He also exuded confidence that any dialogue on the matter would be positive.

Talking exclusively to The Sangai Express, KNF captain Jessis Kuki said that the cadres have been living a peaceful life since the SoO pact was signed.

However, it would be great disappointment if the basic demands of the outfit are turned down.

The Home Secretary, on his return journey to Imphal visited Sapermaina police station and inspected its condition.

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