Urgent Plea: Manipur CM Demands Swift Action from Centre to Terminate SoO Agreement Amid Alarming Militant Breaches
Imphal, Aug 24: The Manipur government has urged the Centre to withdraw the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement, citing multiple violations by militant groups. Chief Minister Biren Singh disclosed that the Manipur Legislative Assembly has also appealed to the Centre to terminate the SoO agreement with the non-compliant militant factions.
“Several militant groups under the SoO have breached the ground rules, disrupting the peace in Manipur. We are keen to remove these groups from the agreement but are awaiting an official response from the Centre, which is currently deliberating on the matter,” Chief Minister Singh stated at a press conference held at Durbar Hall in Imphal on Saturday.
The SoO agreement, signed in August 2008, aimed to foster peace and improve law and order in the violence-hit state. The accord includes 25 armed Kuki militant groups. On March 10, 2023, the Manipur government withdrew from the tripartite agreement with two groups—the Kuki National Army (KNA) and the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA)—accusing them of inciting agitation among illegal forest encroachers.
Chief Minister Singh also reported a “productive” meeting with the Chief of the Indian Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, at his residence on Friday, discussing strategies to restore peace in the ethnic violence-stricken state. “We discussed strategies to restore peace in Manipur, and I provided General Dwivedi with maps and relevant documents. I am hopeful that positive actions will follow once General Dwivedi returns to Delhi,” he added.
General Dwivedi, who visited Imphal to review security arrangements in vulnerable areas, had planned visits to Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, and the border town of Moreh, but these were cancelled due to bad weather. The army chief departed Imphal at approximately 10 am on Saturday.
This call for action underscores the ongoing struggle to maintain peace and stability in Manipur as the administration grapples with militant activities undermining the state’s fragile harmony.
Original Story https://assamtribune.com/north-east/manipur-cm-urges-centre-to-end-soo-agreement-claims-militants-breached-terms-1549076
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