Not everything is fine between SoO groups and Kuki public
Even Kukis oppose SoO extension
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 01 2025: It is not only the Meiteis who are opposing the extension of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement which was signed among Kuki militant groups, the Government of India and the Government of Manipur in August 2008, even the common Kuki people do not support extension of the agreement's term.

Different well placed sources said that further extension of the SoO agreement will definitely impoverish the poor and underprivileged sections of Kuki people.

Significantly the new development comes two days after voices had been rung out by some Kuki civilians that the groups under the SoO pact are not above the common people, the public, the report of which was carried by The Sangai Express.

Starting from leaders to the lowest-ranked cadres of the Kuki militant groups under SoO agreement can go around wherever they like with arms.

No common Kuki people can raise a single voice of protest or objection when leaders or cadres of these militants do whatever they like, said the sources.

By subjugating the common people with the help of arms, these militant groups have been usurping the rights, opportunities and other benefits entitled to the common folks for the last 16 years, they said.

At present, the Kuki militant groups under SoO agreement have been conspiring to take undue advantage of the efforts to bring lasting peace and stability in Manipur.

This fact must be known to the officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs, said the sources.

Common Kuki people do not want extension of SoO agreement; rather they are in favour of holding talks and public meetings at the grassroots level, and allowing to take a collective decision so as to bring lasting peace and stability in Manipur, according to the sources.

Even if the SoO groups are agreeable to the MHA's efforts to open National Highways, the same efforts would not be fruitful if the common Kuki people do not support it.

If the MHA has any notion that holding talks with the SoO groups who are deceitful and self-seeking would bring concrete results just because they are armed, it would be a gross error.

On the contrary, it may ignite a devastating crisis, said the sources.

Meanwhile, it is said that some out of the 10 Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs have been urging the Government of India to extend the terms of SoO agreement.

On the other hand, other sources said that MHA and the militant groups under SoO agreement have reached an agreement to reduce the number of designated camps from 14 to seven and shift designated camps located close to National Highways.

As agreed between the two parties, Natheljang designated camp located close to NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur highway) is likely to be shifted to Saikul.

Moreover, arms looted by Kukis since the beginning of the violent conflict would be made to deposit with Central forces within the next couple of days.

Both Army and Assam Rifles have been authorised to take up necessary steps and see that all the looted weapons are returned.

The looted weapons would be made to deposit with Army and Assam Rifles at a grand event to be held at Kangpokpi.

These weapons would be later handed over to police, said the sources.

Soon after taking over, Governor AK Bhalla had issued a notification asking all looted weapons to be surrendered within a time frame.

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