Amid ongoing deliberations surrounding the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements with Kuki-Zo-based armed groups in Manipur, the Zomi Council has called for a balanced and realistic approach, cautioning against any hasty closure of designated camps in Zomi-majority areas.
In a press statement issued by its Media and Publicity Wing, the Council expressed deep concern over reported pressures on the United People’s Front (Zomi) to shut down at least two of its three designated camps (Camp Muvanlai, Mt. Sinai, and Phaiba).
These camps, it noted, are strategically located in the hill districts and far removed from the volatile Imphal Valley.
The Zomi Council warned that vacating these camps could leave a security vacuum, inviting infiltration by non-SoO armed groups and potentially destabilizing the region.
It emphasized the importance of these camps in managing sensitive inter-state and international borders, especially with Mizoram and Myanmar.
Appealing to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Council urged that no unilateral action be taken to reduce designated camps for groups not amenable to such a move at present.
At the same time, it highlighted the need for timely renewal of the SoO agreement in the interest of public safety and regional security.
