In a letter (urgent and confidential) sent to PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the State Spokesperson of BJP Manipur Pradesh and Thadou Tribe leader T. Micheal Lamjathang Haokip made an urgent appeal to abrogate the Suspension of Operation (SoO) Agreement with the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People Front (UPF) or defer the extension (of the agreement) until the reinstatement of the elected government.
The BJP Spokesperson, who has endured personal loss in the current strife, also stated in the letter, “the Ministry of Home Affairs has not been able to control the SoO (Suspension of Operation) militant groups, a fact that has sadly become evident over the years. The people of Manipur have suffered significant loss of lives and property at the hands of SoO militants who, in practice, fall under the operational control of the Ministry of Defence (Army, Assam Rifles), not the MHA. Extending the SoO under the same failed mechanism is a grave mistake. It amounts to artificially planting a human-triggered volcano in an already volatile state,” the letter also said.
According to various media reports, it has been suggested that the Ministry of Home Affairs has resumed talks with UPF/KNO insurgent groups to discuss the way forward and renewal of the SoO pact after two years of lapses.
Continuing to patronize insurgent groups in the hills of Manipur risks creating man-made, human-triggered volcanoes that will inevitably erupt. It is time to treat such groups for what they are: militants, not partners in peace, it said. Also asked GoI to ensure that any future decision on this matter is taken only after broad-based consultation with all affected stakeholders, including indigenous groups from both hill and valley regions, particularly the Thadou tribe leaders and community.
