KYKL(T) rejects truce offer

IMPHAL, March 27: The underground Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (Toijamba) group, has categorically rejected the unilateral ceasefire announced by the state Government, describing it as an insult to the people of Manipur. A statement issued by Khumancha Wangol, seceratry general of KYKL pointed out that the state was still a 'disturbed area' and the Armed Forces Special Power Act continued, under the cover, which numerous citizens have been killed, tortured and made to disappear by the security forces. The statement demanded that the 'disturbed area' status should first be rescinded and the Armed Forces Special Power Act fully withdrawn, human rights of citizens safeguarded, and liberation struggle properly acknowledged. Describing the ceasefire announcement as trick aimed at suppressing the armed struggle, it warned against trying to project the underground groups in a bad light in the international community by highlighting their rejecting of the ceasefire. It also urged the public to take a decision with regard to the ceasefire, and called on other undergrounds to maintain a united strength to meet the challenge. Reiterating that a national contradiction existed between the people of Manipur and other parts of India, the statement poured scorn on what it called the Indian rulers' attempt to project the underground movement as one motivated by poverty. It stressed that the aim of the revolutionary movement was independence and self-determination in political, economic, social and cultural spheres and safeguarding of Manipur's identity in the international community.