Manipur Shiv Sena urges clarity on Suspension of Operation agreements with Kuki militant groups

Newmai News Network

Imphal: The Manipur unit of Shiv Sena on Monday insisted that the government at the Centre should make it clear whether the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreements with the Kuki-based militant groups have ended or extended further.

The last term of the SoO agreement with Kuki militant groups in Manipur expired on February 29 but there is no clarity either on its renewal or abrogation from the central government.

Addressing a press conference at the Shiv Sena Manipur unit office in Imphal’s Babupara today, its president M Tombi demanded that the central government clarify the matter to clear confusion among the people.

Also Read | Manipur: Deadly Attack at Naranseina Village Leaves Two CRPF Personnel Dead

He alleged that cadres of Kuki-based militant groups are engaging in a series of terror activities in the state while citing recent attacks on oil tankers and bullet tankers (bulk LPG carriers) along NH-37 and a CRPF post at Naranseina in Bishnupur district, killing two personnel of the central paramilitary force.

Tombi also alleged the involvement of the cadres of the Kuki-based militant groups in the series of unabated attacks on the settlement areas in the fringe of valley districts.

Besides these, he accused the cadres of these armed groups of indulging in various activities of disturbing the movement of goods and ferry trucks on the national highways besides attempting to cut NH-102 by blowing up a key bridge with bombs, destroying a high tension power transmission tower at Kotlien of Kangpokpi district in the recent time.

Also Read | One Kuki-Zo killed in fresh clash; 12-hr Shutdown called by CoTU in Sadar Hills Kangpokpi

“We should not take these series of violent activities lightly,” he said and alleged that despite knowing all these facts, why do the centre and the state government remain silent?” he asked.

The Shiv Sena state unit chief also reiterated the party’s long pending demand – setting up of a dedicated highway protection force – and said that if the government is not in a position to set up this dedicated force, arms must be issued to the drivers of vehicles who are plying along the national highways for their self-protection.

Also Read | Armed Miscreants Attack Oil Tankers on Imphal-Jiribam NH-37, Panic Buying at Petrol Outlets Ensues

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