The Suspension of Operation (SoO) re-extension pact for another year, which already expired on the 29th of February, with the Kuki militant groups under the United Peoples’ Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organization (KNO), is against the wishes and desires of the people of the state. The Federation of Civil Society (FOCS) Manipur has termed it “unacceptable” and is completely against it.
In a statement released by FOCS Manipur, it said the decision of the Government of India and the state is against the wishes and demands of the people to restore peace and normalcy in the state, and such an act cannot be taken as carefully weighing the people’s pressing demands.
FOCS has also demanded that the Ministry of Home Affairs should review its decision on the SoO extension, considering the people’s impulses, and should work sincerely to restore peace and normalcy in the state.
FOCS also reminded that the state assembly had earlier unanimously decided to abrogate the SoO pact with Kuki-Zo militants on 29th February 2024, in a session considering the people’s demands, and that a copy of the decision had also been forwarded to the MHA, Government of India. It also mentioned that Kuki militants, breaching the ground rules, had openly and purportedly taken part in the violence and arson during the Manipur Crisis, which began on May 3rd, 2023, the statement added.
FOCS Manipur said it considered such a decision against the people’s wishes and demands as an infringement of the people’s democratic rights and a humiliation of the state assembly’s decision and the elected representatives of the state.
FOCS also questioned whether the opening of the National Highways is in the hands of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) and demanded that the Government of India should ensure free passage and movement on National Highways that connect states with other states and provide security, which is the sole responsibility of the government.
