Suspension of Operations extension with Kuki groups draws sharp reactions in Manipur

IMPHAL — The decision to extend the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups for another year has triggered strong reactions from various organisations and political fronts in Manipur.

The Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), the apex body of the Thadou tribe, expressed disappointment at the Government of India’s move, stating it was done without consultation despite TIM submitting a 35-page memorandum on August 31 calling for abrogation of the pact.

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“We have consistently advocated for the termination of the SoO agreement, asserting that it has only fostered lawlessness and insecurity, disproportionately affecting unarmed Thadou people,” said Joint General Secretary Manggou Thadou in a press release. The organisation termed the extension “particularly egregious,” pointing to the recent killing of Thadou peace and rights advocate Nehkam Jomhao, Chairman of the Thadou Literature Society, in Assam.

The All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation also demanded revocation of the extension, describing it as “against the wishes of the Manipuri people.” Similarly, the Manipur People’s Party, one of the state’s oldest regional political outfits, alleged repeated violations of the agreement and pressed for its withdrawal.

In recent months, several civil society groups have urged the withdrawal of the SoO, accusing armed cadres of involvement in violence during the ongoing ethnic clashes in Manipur.

Despite the opposition, the Government of India, the Manipur government, and Kuki armed groups on Thursday renewed the SoO with 24 groups under the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF). The agreement, based on re-negotiated ground rules, will remain valid for one year from the date of signing.

According to a PIB statement, a Joint Monitoring Group will strictly enforce the terms of the agreement and take firm action against violations, including possible review of the pact.

The SoO, first signed in August 2005, has been extended periodically, with the last term expiring on February 29, 2024. Under the revised terms, Kuki armed groups have pledged to give up violence, abide by the Constitution of India, and respect Manipur’s territorial integrity, sources said.