Sit-in opposes SoO camps in Kangchup Chiru, Haraothel, NH-37
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 20 2025: Residents from 22 different villages, including Naga, Meetei and Chiru communities, staged a sit-in protest at Phayeng Keithel on Sunday against the reported plan to set up designated camps for Kuki militant groups under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement in Kangchup Chiru reserved forest areas, Haraothel and along National Highway 37 .

The protest led by women's wing of the Rural United Club Organisation (RUCO), Imphal West, was participated by people from Naga villagers of Waphong, Bumol, Yairong, Haochong, Oktan and Khundong; Chiru villagers of Kangchup Chiru; and Meetei residents from Chakpa Phayeng, Lairenkabi, Heibongpokpi, Lamsang, Sanjenbam, Lambal, Lamlongei, Haorang Sabal, Taothong, Lamdeng, Mayang Langjing, Kadangband, Senjam Chirang, Phumlou and Iroisemba villages.

Sit-in opposes SoO camps in Kangchup Chiru, Haraothel, NH-37

Interacting with the media, Waphong village chairman Gwangji Khumba said that they have received information about a plan to set up SoO camps somewhere between Waphong and Kangchup.

He stated that they cannot accept such a proposal and warned that any attempt to implement the plan would be met with strong resistance.

He demanded that the government withdraw the proposal immediately, warning of unwanted consequences if the plan goes ahead.

Kangchup Chiru village chief Akung Thanga said that the village, though a small settlement of the Chiru community, would never allow encroachment into its ancestral land.

He asserted that the village boundary had been clearly marked and upheld by their forefathers and that residents are prepared to defend it at all costs.

According to RUCO president Ningthoujam Rasantakumar, the move to relocate SoO camps came after union home minister Amit Shah reportedly instructed SoO groups on June 16 to shift their camps away from Meetei settlement areas.

He said that officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and representatives of Kuki militant groups had recently visited areas in Kangchup Chiru reserved forest, the upper reaches of Haraothel, and the Kotlen region along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway to initiate construction of new designated camps.

Rasantakumar pointed out that the Manipur government had withdrawn from the SoO agreement on February 29, 2024, citing repeated violations of ground rules.

He also recalled that the Manipur Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution supporting the withdrawal from the agreement.

He urged the Government of India to abandon any plans to set up new SoO camps in these areas and warned that a strong public movement would be launched if the Centre proceeds with the plan.