ULFA [I] demands Meghen’s release

ULFA [Independent], Friday in a media communiqué expressed that each of its members are deeply saddened by the news of conviction of the United National Liberation Front of Manipur, Chairman, Raj Kumar Meghen also known as Sanaiyama’s by another 10 years.

It said that the Indian Government machinery in occupation is “scared” of the impact of Sanaiyama’s principle. A free Sanaiyama in the case of our regional unity with his active role has “shaken” the occupying forces and that is the reason why he has been convicted by a plot, claimed ULFA [I].

Sanaiyama who received imprisonment with a smiling face is an indomitable sign of their common journey for regional independence feels ULFA [I].

India with necessary Constitutional amendments must immediately free him, demands ULFA [I].

A National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court in Guwahati Wednesday convicted Sanaiyama and 18 accomplices under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act by a jail term ranging from 7 to 10 years on grounds of offenses, “including criminal conspiracy [related to] terrorist acts and waging war” against India. The order was passed in connection with NIA case number RC 10/2010 registered at the NIA Delhi office.

Sanaiyama is convicted under Sections 17, 18, 18 (B), 20 and 21 of UAP Act and Sections 121 (A) and 122 of IPC. He is sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for 10 years and a fine of Rs 90,000. In case of default in payment of fine, he will have to undergo imprisonment for another two years.

It is to be noted that though Sanaiyama is sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment, he will have to serve four years since he has already spent six years in judicial custody since his arrest in 2010, which will be set off against the sentence.

Sanaiyama is firm and unlike others who prayed for leniency, dearly holds close to his heart that the most democratic means to resolve conflict is plebiscite. UNLF by far is the most ideologically intact group of North East India.