Imphal, January 23, 2006: Setting the record straight, the proscribed UNLF today said that the report that a number of Hmar and Paite villagers of Parbung and Tipaimukh sub-divisions have fled to Mizoram following harassments from the outfit is nothing but a propaganda unleashed by India to sever the ties that UNLF has developed with the people.
In a statement issued to the press today, the outfit said that right from its inception, UNLF has always stood by the principle of peaceful co-existence between the different communities by respecting each others’ identity.
It is under this principle that UNLF has always strived to promote communal harmony.
To free the people from the shackles of India, UNLF has been fighting for a cause and will continue to do so, claimed the statement and added that it is the firm belief of the outfit that only a united struggle can defeat India.
It is with this vision in mind, that UNLF provided monetary help and arms to outfits like the HPC (D), which was formed along ethnic lines.
The same help was also extended to like minded groups from the Paite and Kuki groups, said the statement.
However recently at Parbung and its adjoining areas some armed groups, particularly the HPC (D) teamed up with the Indian security force and started attacking UNLF cadres.
Moreover the HPC (D) even went to the extent of threatening village chiefs not to give shelter to the UNLF or else face dire consequences.
The villagers were also harassed.
It was following this threat that a number of villagers fled their homesteads, said UNLF.
The UNLF has always been extending a helping hand to the people who have been neglected and harassed for long by India.
The outfit has been providing food, grains, medicines and other basic necessities to the villagers all these years and a deep bond developed between the local people and the cadres of UNLF, said the statement.
It is because of this long association based on mutual respect that the villagers still stand by the UNLF today, claimed the outfit.
The false propaganda spread by India and their stooges like the HPC (D) and the ZRA will never succeed, said UNLF and added that the time has become for HPC (D) and ZRA to think over their action.
Source: The Sangai Express
See also:
- Environmental Clearance of Tipaimukh Dam by MoEF (October 31st, 2008)
- Chakka bandh on Sep 18 against Tipaimukh dam (September 17th, 2008)
- 1 lakh Manipur villagers hit by bamboo flowering (September 2nd, 2008)
- Heavy security to be deployed on 99 km stretch of road to Tipaimukh dam (July 29th, 2008)
- Army launches Tipaimukh vigil (April 30th, 2008)