'Peace pact with UALA not in jeopardy'

FROM OUR STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, Aug 6: The proposed peace pact between the government and the United Achik Liberation Army (UALA) is not in jeopardy except for the negotiation made by the armed outfit to the terms of agreement related to the surrender packages.

A well placed source told The Sentinel, “The UALA senior leadership have virtually agreed to the terms placed by the government before the formal peace pact. While the bargain of the rehabilitation is almost settled, the outfit is waiting for the endorsement of its Commander-in-Chief Norok X Momin, a man who is trying to use the peace overtures to get through with the cases registered against him.

Norok Momin is wanted in a number of crimil cases including the massacre of half a dozen Rabha tribesmen on Diwali in 2012 besides the killings of two jail officials of Williamgar jail in 2013. Stating that the informal negotiation is still on track, the source said that Norok X Momin is not only looking at the rehabilitation packages but also on other means to get a reprieve from the registered crimil cases against him.

Norok himself was not part of the multiple meetings that we had with the UALA leaders but his point of view was driven through, stated the source involved in the deliberations held in Tura and Shillong. Exuding confidence that the peace pact with the UALA will be executed sooner or later , the source said, “Notwithstanding the delay on the part of Norok Momin , the entire UALA leadership have already agreed to sign the peace deal.” The UALA leadership has already declared the strength of its cadres at 72. It has not divulged its arsel to the negotiating team, but the source said that It has nearly around 12 dozen AK 47 Rifles and other small arms.