Demand grows for SoO scrap, Shah petitioned
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 27 2024:
Meitei Alliance, a global network of the Meeteis, has demanded termination of the tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement signed between the Centre, the state, and Kuki militant groups in Manipur, citing repeated violations of the agreed SoO ground rules by the signatory armed groups.
The Alliance also submitted a memorandum to union home minister Amit Shah on February 21 urging the Central government to scrap SoO.
Issuing a statement in this regard, the Alliance appreciated the recent decision announced by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to scrap "the Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar to ensure internal security of the country and to maintain the demographic structure of India's North-Eastern States bordering Myanmar" .
The SoO also poses the same threat to India's security and demographic balance, the statement said.
To ensure internal security, the tripartite SoO with KNO and UPF agreement was first signed in August 2008 and it is being extended periodically since then.
Unfortunately, far from walking on the path of peace, these armed groups have been repeatedly violating the "agreed ground rules of SoO" to achieve their hidden agenda.
While the Central Government would not enforce terms clearly which provides for termination of the agreement in case of violations of the ground rules to militarily suppress KNO and UPF, the latter hide under SoO to covertly act against India's peace and security.
They, in collusion with external forces, have a direct bearing on orchestrating and continuation of the ongoing mayhem in the state since May 3 last year.
"Since all these go against the objectives of SoO, why continue with it?" the Alliance asked.
Suspension of Operation with any armed group is, technically speaking, to restore law and order and to ensure human security in the country, it pointed out.
Meanwhile, the Alliance released a booklet titled "GHOST OF PEACE: Why Not Abrogate Suspension of Operation Agreements with Kuki Armed Groups to Prevent Destabilisation of India?" on February 24 .
The booklet contains elaborate details of violation of SoO ground rules by the Kuki militants with conclusive evidences.
Speaking at the event, Dr Malem Ningthouja stressed that, "To restore peace and internal security, terms for SoO should be immediately enforced, especially - in case of groups found violating the ground rules in future, state government on the recommendation of the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) may terminate the SoO arrangements and also take appropriate action including use of force against the group".
According to Prof Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, "Suspension of Operation with any armed group is, technically speaking, to restore law and order and to ensure human security in the country.
But when it is used to mask privatisation of violence, it poses a threat to the security of the state as well as life and property of the citizen.
There are allegations of the SoO being such a mask.
And hence it should be reviewed" .
Lt Gen (retired) Dr Konsam Himalay said, "Even though the SOO agreement had some flaws (unintentional or otherwise), simply following the ground rules would have prevented from worsening of the present situation.
The rules were violated in many ways.
The Manipur government records can confirm this.
Even now, there is scope for improvement.
Like biometric identification of the inmates, reducing the number of camps and strict enforcement of AGR by agencies concerned.
But violence has spread much further.
Now immediate and more forceful actions to contain it are necessary including all illegal armed groups".
Dr Seram Rojesh said, "From various testimonies of the victims of this prolonged violence in the last 9 months, it is clearly established that Kuki militants under Soo are actively participating in the violence violating the terms of SoO.
Since they have broken the rules, termination of SoO is the first step to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur.
Maj (retired) Md Ali Shah Said, "Being a soldier, having seen enough blood shed in J& K and the Northeast part of India who now promotes peace I think Suspension of Operations is a very welcome move, irrespective of the groups or communities we enter into a SoO agreement with.
To ensure peace, the terms and condition of SoO should be abided by all parties and enforced strictly".
Meanwhile, under the aegis of People's Alliance for Peace and Progressive Manipur (PAPPM), sit-in-protests were organised at different places in Kakching district on Monday and Tuesday demanding abrogation of the SoO agreement signed with Kuki militants and withdrawal of Assam Rifles from Manipur.
The protests were held at Elangkhanpokpi Mamang Leikai community hall, Waikhong Ningthou Manai community hall, Waikhong High School, Kakching Khunou, Kakching Khunou Lamkhai and Hiyanglam-Wabagai Lamkhai Keithel, among other places.
On the other-hand, political activist Maheshwar Thounaojam met Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla on Tuesday in New Delhi and demanded immediate abrogation of the SoO agreement signed with Kuki militants.
During the meeting, Maheshwar submitted a detailed report on the killing of innocent people by Kuki militants in blatant violation of the SoO ground rules and demanded immediate abrogation of the SoO pact so as to save Manipur and India.
He also sought intervention of the ministry/Centre for ensuring complete implementation of Manipur Hill Areas Acquisition of Chiefs Rights Act, 1967, which was passed 57 years back.
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