Cabinet recommends action against some SoO groups
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 17 2019: For violating the terms of agreement reached between the State Government and Kuki civil organisations to the effect that law and order is not disturbed or challenged on account of celebrating the centenary of the Kuki Rebellion against British colonial rulers, the State Cabinet has recommended the Central Government to take up necessary action against some Kuki militant groups which are under Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact.

A Cabinet meeting held this morning with Chief Minister N Biren in the chair deliberated on the possibility of a serious inter-community conflict erupting by a single unwanted incident in the backdrop of the controversy surrounding the celebration of Anglo-Kuki War centenary.

Speaking to media persons after the Cabinet meeting, Government spokesman Th Radheshyam said that several comments were received from different quarters on the possibility of creating serious law and order problem by the words inscribed on memorial stones erected in connection with the commemoration of Anglo-Kuki War centenary.

Taking serious note of these comments, the State Government invited and talked with different stake holders to avert any threat to law and order.

One such meeting was held with representatives of several Kuki organisations including the Kuki Inpi Manipur yesterday.

Apart from adopting two resolutions, the meeting agreed to uphold communal harmony across the State, Radheshyam conveyed.

As agreed at the meeting, the State Government issued an order yesterday itself whereby the State Government officially recognised the Kuki Rebellion and offered to construct a memorial park at an appropriate site within Imphal area in addition to declaring the anniversary of the Kuki Rebellion as a restricted holiday, said the Government spokesman.

However, after the Kuki leaders had gone back from the meeting, it was informed that some organisations opened fire late last night, threatened civil leaders and violated the terms of agreement reached with the Government.

As the Government is determined to maintain law and order, detailed reports were sought about the groups which opened fire and threatened civil leaders.

Subsequently, it was learnt from police and intelligence reports that those who were violating the terms of agreement were certain militant groups which are under SoO pact.

After verifying the defaulting groups, the State Cabinet held a meeting this morning and recommended the Central Government to take up necessary action against the particular militant groups for violating cease fire ground rules, Radheshyam said.

He stated that the Government would never tolerate violation of cease fire ground rules in any manner.

The Government is committed to ensure communal harmony and peaceful co-existence among all communities of the State and it has been made clear that any action which hurts sentiments of any community is not acceptable, said the Government spokesman.

Taking serious note of the KSO Saikul and Tengnoupal units' diktat that schools located within their areas should remain closed otherwise actions would be initiated, police have registered an FIR, he said.

The Chief Secretary and the DGP have been directed to arrest leaders of the particular student body, Radheshyam conveyed.

He then appealed to all student organisations, militant groups under SoO pact and the public not to disturb communal peace which has been restored in the State after much struggle.

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