Rally pitches for ending SoO pact
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 22 2024:
People of Sambrei under Khundrakpam assembly constituency in Imphal East district on Thursday took out a protest rally demanding non-extension of Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement signed between the government and Kuki armed groups on the ground that the latter violated ground rules by scheming to undermine territorial and emotional integrity of Manipur.
The protest rally organised jointly by Village Protection Force, United Committee of Pukhao and Makeng Dolaithabi Gram Panchayat and Eramdam Kanba Lup (EKAL), Lamboikhul from Sambrei ground was stopped by the security at Pangei bazar en-route to the Raj Bhavan for submission of a memorandum to Governor Anusuiya Uikey, resulting in a brief confrontation.
The protestors moved ahead by breaking the police barrier but were again obstructed by additional forces of RAF in front of 6th IRB, Pangei.
Later, select representatives from among the rallyists were allowed to submit memorandum to Governor Anusuiya Uikey and chief minister N Biren.
Speaking in this regard, United Committee Pukhao and Makeng Dolaithabi gram panchayat president Thokchom Sanjoy pointed out that the SoO agreement signed between the central government and 24 Kuki militant groups will end on February 28 and there should be no further extension of agreement as the Kuki militants are violating the agreed ground rules.
Amidst the conflict that erupted since May 3, narco-terrorists from outside the state under the shadow of SoO Kuki militants have been demanding separate administration, he claimed, while demanding the state and central governments to take appropriate actions against them.