DIPHU, Dec 5 � The Karbi Longri NC Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF), which had declared ceasefire last year, has expressed concern over 29 of its cadres joining the United People�s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS).
Addressing a press conference at a designated camp here on Monday, KLNLF publicity secretary Rijak Dera vehemently criticized the UPDS and alleged that the latter is working as a government agent keeping close links with investigating agencies. Their motivation is to sabotage the Statehood movement headed by KLNLF, Dera said.
�The UPDS is attempting to sabotage the long-standing Statehood demand made by the KLNLF. Besides, a large number of KLNLF cadres had to lose lives in their attacks.�
On the defection of 29 of its cadres to the UPDS fold, Dera said, �Our sergeant major Arak Rongpi and a few women cadres have deserted our movement, but the other cadres, those who claimed to be KLNLF members but joined UPDS had already left our camp very long ago.�
Speaking on their strategy and demands, the rebel leader said, �Our demand was for a separate State, but after the talks initiated by the government we placed our demand in front of the government to implement the Article 244(A)� No development, peace and tranquility can be ensured in Karbi Anglong without implementation of Article 244(A),� he said. Habe Kathar, acting chairman of KLNLF, was also present.
