Public demand to cancel SoO pact with Kuki militant groups grows louder
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 21 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 today at Kwakeithel Leimakhujam Leikai, Uripok Gopalji Leirak, Khongman Zone 4&5 Community Hall and several other places.
At the sit-ins, the protestors displayed placards and banners with the slogans such as, "Save Manipur's Integrity", "Wake up Manipur Government", "Cancel SoO with Kuki militant groups", "GoI should control Kuki SoO militants", "Implement NRC in Manipur", "Stop influx of illegal immigrants", "We condemn burning of houses", "Deploy RAF in affected areas", "Disqualify 10 Kuki MLAs", etc.
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The protest staged at Khongman was jointly organised by The Social Workers' Congress Khongman, Ima Panthoibi Village Level Federation (VLF) and Meeyamgi Yaipha Nupi Lup (Meira Paibi), Khongman Zone No 4 & 5; while the protest at Kwakeithel Leimakhujam Leikai and Uripok Gopalji Leirak were organised by Local Youth Development Association, Kwakeithel and Uripok Gopalji Leirak Youths' Association respectively.
Meanwhile, Chanura Lamchingel Kangleipak (CLK) and ACOAM Lup, Kangleipak have asserted that immediate abrogation of SoO with Kuki militant groups is the only way to bring long lasting peace in the State.
In separate releases, CLK and ACOAM Lup urged the Government to control the Kuki militant groups currently under SoO to prevent further escalation of violence in the State.
The organisations also asserted that due to the SoO, Security Forces have done nothing to protect the Meetei people from armed Kuki militants who are burning down and vandalizing their houses in various places.
Raising questions over the motive behind the demand for separate administration by the 10 Kuki MLAs during these crucial times, the organisations touted the possibility of ulterior agenda behind the series of unfortunate events that have happened in the State aftermath of the Solidarity Rally held on May 3 .
The organisations also urged the Government to protect the integrity of Manipur at any cost and take appropriate action against all those trying to divide the State.
CLK and ACOAM Lup further appealed to the public, CSOs and elected representatives to come together to protect Manipur from anti-social elements with vested interests trying to bring chaos and conflict in the State.