UALA c-in-c holds the key to formalizing of peace talks

From Staff Correspondent

Shillong, June 13: The self-styled commander-in-chief of the United Achik Liberation Army (UALA) Norok Momin holds the key in filizing the time for signing of the peace pact with the State government.

Although, the 12 UALA leaders under Novembirth Marak have conveyed to the top State officials on Friday about Norok Momin's inclition to "unconditiolly" sign the peace pact, a well-placed source privy to the developments told The Sentinel, "The UALA leadership decided to communicate to the state officials after meeting Norok Momin to formalize the date for the peace deal".

Norok Momin cited health reasons for abstaining from the crucial meeting held at the State Police Guest House on Friday. Viewed as a person who is "erratic" in his activities, Norok, though has agreed to the peace overtures, is also a person who can change his mind anytime, stated a source.

"The UALA leadership desires to meet and brief him (Norok) about the outcome of the meeting and we are waiting for them get back if we have to complete the formalities at the earliest as desired by the UALA leaders who attended the meeting," stated the source.   

Interestingly, the UALA, which submitted the list of 72 members, has not yet disclosed its armory, informed a source. However, based on the intelligence inputs, the UALA is suspected to own around a dozen AK rifles, few small arms and locally-made weapons. These were weapons taken away from the ANVC(B), a disbanded outfit that Norok Momin deserted before forming the UALA.