New Delhi, July 9: The Meitei Heritage Society has expressed deep concern over reports that the Ministry of Home Affairs is considering signing a Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Chin-Kuki militant groups, despite opposition from the Manipur Government, public sentiment, and ongoing investigations into the militants’ role in the state’s ongoing crisis, including the killing of security forces.
The Society termed the reported condition to close two out of three designated SoO camps of the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) as an “eyewash,” claiming that the camps, Camp Muvanlai, kKiMt. Sinai, and Phaiba, are already located in remote areas and their closure would not impact law and order.
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The statement pointed out that the SoOkukiml agreement mandates action, including use of force, against any group found violating its terms. “Far from taking action, rewarding these militants with renewed protection or relocation of camps by paying them through taxpayers’ money will be legitimizing the illegal activities carried out by these groups,” the Society said.
The last elected Manipur Government had decided to abrogate the SoO agreement with KNA and ZRA in March 2023, followed by a Cabinet resolution in January 2024 not to extend any such agreements due to repeated violations. The agreement officially lapsed on February 28, 2024, and no renewal has been signed since.
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The Society warned that any move to sign a new agreement under President’s Rule would bypass the decisions of the popular government and the will of the public. “The condition to close 2 camps is nothing but an eyewash to secure SoO extension in total disregard of the will of the people and the SoO’s own guiding principles,” the statement said.
The Meitei Heritage Society urged the Government of India to respect the popular government’s decisions, Cabinet resolutions, and the repeated violations committed by these groups, and to refrain from signing any agreement with the Chin-Kuki militant groups.
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