Public demand to cancel SoO pact grows louder
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 18 2023: The demand for immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) with Kuki militant groups is ever growing with more and more people coming out in support of the demand.

Sit-in demonstrations demanding withdrawal of the SoO pact and disqualification of 10 Kuki-Chin MLAs were staged at Sega Road, Keishamthong Leimajam Leikai, Keishamthong Elangbam Leikai, Uripok Yambem Leikai and several other places.

At the sit-in at Sega Road, organised by Konjeng Hazari Leikai and Khwairakpam Leikai, womenfolk vehemently condemned the 10 Kuki-Chin MLAs for challenging and threatening the State's unity and integrity by demanding a separate administration for the Kuki-Chin people.

Sega Road Konjeng Hazari Leikai Meira Paibi advisor Tongbram Bhabini said the sit-in was staged to protest against the atrocities and inhuman attacks committed against villages at the foothills and exteriors of the valley by armed Kuki militants.

Public demand to cancel SoO pact grows louder

She said the armed Kuki militants, who are part of the SoO (Suspension of Operation) agreement, are without provocation attacking the civilians and burning houses in villages on the outskirts of the valley.

The Centre and the State Government should immediately withdraw and scrap the SoO agreement that gives safe haven to such armed groups, she added.

The Meira Paibi leader continued that the State must not allow illegal immigrants to settle in any part of the State and they must be detected, identified and deported immediately.

While strongly condemning the demand for a separate administration raised by 10 Kuki-Chin MLAs, she said such a demand threatens the unity and integrity of the State.

Asking the 10 MLAs how Churachandpur got its name in the first place, she said they should not spew hatred among the people and invite chaos.

"If the Government is not able to protect and secure its people and the State, then we will protect the State ourselves.

We, women, will protect Manipur's integrity.

We are not afraid.

They [10 Kuki-Chin MLAs] shouldn't threaten Manipur's integrity.

We want all communities to coexist peacefully.

If the threat continues then womenfolk may rise and start Nupi Lan-III," Bhabini said.

She also said if the Government and the Central security forces are not able to protect people at the villages in the outskirts and relief camps, womenfolk will take it upon themselves to protect the vulnerable people.

At the sit-in demonstration at Keishamthong Elangbam Leikai, Elangbam Leikai Macha Nupi Meira Marup president Menaka said the Centre should implement National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur to identify and deport illegal immigrants from Myanmar and elsewhere.

Identifying the armed Kuki militants as the cause of the prolonged violent conflict, Menaka said the Government should control and station the armed militants at the designated camps immediately to stop all violence.

The violent clashes that started on May 3 were most unfortunate.

People want to live and coexist peacefully, she said, urging the Government to restore normalcy in the State at the earliest.

At the protest demonstration organised at Keishamthong Leimajam Community Hall by Keishamthong Leimajam Mamang Leikai Nisha Bandh and Sega Road Welfare Club, the womenfolk raised several slogans demanding disqualification of the 10 Kuki-Chin MLAs and immediate withdrawal of the SoO.

During the protest, Keishamthong Leimajam Leikai Nisha Bandh member S Ngangbi reiterated that NRC must be implemented in the State at the earliest and illegal immigrants must be checked effectively.

The State Government shouldn't remain silent.

Understanding the sentiments of the people, the Government must act proactively.

The 10 Kuki-Chin MLAs must be disqualified as MLAs and the SoO agreement with the Kuki militants must be scrapped immediately without extending further, she said.

The protesters raised slogans to protect the State's integrity and unity.