Exclusive: Insurgent Outfit UMLA Speaks Out
Channel: VideoVolunteers
Date: 05/04/2011

Video Volunteers has become the first media organization to get access to the camp of United Minority Liberation Army (UMLA), an armed insurgent group fighting for a separate state in Manipur, North East India. The story was reported by Daniel Mate, a community correspondent trained by Video Volunteers, an organization that enables people from the poorest communities to report on their community issues. The North East of India, where Daniel is from, is home to dozens of tribal groups that are fighting for independence from India. The UMLA represents one of these tribes called Kuki that is willing to stay within India, but wants larger autonomy within the constitution. The leader of the insurgent group agreed to the interview only after he learnt that Daniel was a Kuki and that the interview would be a part of IndiaUnheard -- a program that publishes community stories as they are told. Watch the video here "It's the first time ever that this group has spoken to the media. They chose me because they trusted me. As a member of the same tribe, I understand what he is fighting for. We are a minority tribe and we frequently face ethnic violence from other groups who deny our rights to the land and natural resources of our state. When the insurgents learnt that IndiaUnheard was a program for the oppressed and the marginalized communities, they felt that it was the right forum for them to speak. They said that I would present their views without any prejudice. Their commander agreed to see me and so I was invited to visit their camp and interview him." Sentence on how this is only possible because of community media. More info on the video and the struggle: In an exclusive interview to VV's community correspondent Daniel Mate, the UMLA leader Commander K Khaling tells on camera his outfit's goals, visions and strategies that it follows to achieve that. UMLA is one of the 17 armed member groups of the Kuki National Organization -- an umbrella organization leading an armed struggle against Manipur government for a separate state within the Indian constitution. The interview was obtained by Mate through his sources in the state. It is not known where Khaling lives today and, for his personal security reasons, he wants to keep it that way. For the interview, Mate had to spend 2 days in the rebel camp at a secret location. However, once in the camp, Mate not only met the Commander of the group, but also several other members of the outfit -- both armed and without arms -- and shoot their activities. Khaling-led UMLA, alongside other Kuki militant groups has recently signed a tripartite suspension of armed operations with the state government and the Centre. The militants are now pressing for a political dialogue with New Delhi over its demand for the statehood. Khaling is regarded as a critical force for making the talk a success. During the interview to Video Volunteers, Khaling indicated that he would be willing to grant a longer interview in future and provide more insight into his group's plans.

Help us caption & translate this video!

http://amara.org/v/C3iJ/