Negotiations are on between Naga and Kuki CSOs for safe release of hostages in the custody of NSCN (I-M) and KNF (B).
The Chandel Naga People’s Organization (CNPO) and the Kuki Inpi, Tengnoupal have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) wherein both the parties stated that they desire to enter into an agreement in which they will work together to achieve certain aims and objectives.
According to a widely circulated MoU signed between the two on Wednesday (August 21) by Khaimang Guite president Kuki Inpi, Tengnoupal; M Hollal Zou, vice president, KIT and Dilbung Thamdok Francis, president, Chandel Naga People’s Organisation, the two bodies agreed for the safe release of Sheikhogin Baite, son of Rev Thongngam Baite, T Zangnom village, Core committee member VV, Tengnoupal, Moreh from the custody of Naga army; safe release of two Naga army officers from the custody of Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) and to foster better understanding and peaceful Co-existence between the Kukis and the Nagas in general.
The two parties also stated that while the purpose of this MOU is to create and provide a conducive atmosphere, they desire and wish that this document will not create any form or manner of a formal agreement but rather an agreement between the parties to work together in such a manner that would promote a genuine atmosphere of collaboration in support of effective partnership and leadership to maintain meaningful dialogue and strife for peaceful coexistence between the Nagas and Kukis.
In the MoU, the CNPO and KIT also signed that the Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal will make sincere effort to secure safe release of the two Naga army officers from the custody of KNA-B at the earliest; that the Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal will sincerely work and promote better understanding and peaceful coexistence between the Naga and kuki peoples; that the Chandel Naga people’s organization (CNPO) will continue to work earnestly to foster better understanding and for peaceful coexistence between the Kuki and Naga peoples.
The two parties further signed that, on the other hand, the CNPO has fulfilled its obligation of securing the safe release of Sheikhogin@Hegin from the custody of Naga army and that the concern party that fails to honour this MOU in letter and spirit will be held responsible for any untoward consequences.
Sheikhogin Baite, Core Committee member of VV, was arrested by Naga Army sometime in July and was kept in their custody somewhere in Chandel. And as per speculations and rumours, this arrest had led to the recent clash internal between UKLF and village volunteers in Molnoi Pallel and Molnom in Pallel under Tengnoupal district.
The MoU was also signed by Thokhothang Haokip, Vice-President, Kuki Chief Association, Tengnoupal; Ts Rungwar Anal, President, Chandel Naga Chief Association; Kaikholal Haokip, President, Hill Tribal Council, Moreh; Chongboi Mate, President, Kuki Women Union & Human Rights and Thangboi Lhungdim, President, Kuki Students’ Organisation Tengnoupal as witnesses.
