COTU calls shutdown to protest SoO scrap move
Source: Chronicle News Service / Kaybie Chongloi
Kangpokpi, March 02 2024:
Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Kangpokpi district has resolved to impose a 24-hour total shutdown in Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi district from 10 am on March 4 in protest against complete constitutional breakdown of law in the valley and the recent Manipur Legislative Assembly resolution to abrogate the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with two umbrella organisations of Kuki armed groups, the United People's Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organisation (KNO) which it termed as "communal and against peace".
The committee also decided to take out a public rally on March 4 to demonstrate resentment over the alleged "derogatory resolution" adopted by the Government.
Vehemently opposing the alleged "derogatory and communalised" resolution passed by the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly on February 29, information secretary Thangtinlen Haokip said CoTU is astounded by the vile attempt of N Biren Singh and his cohorts in the state assembly to divert the general public from the imbroglio in Imphal by adopting, in particular, a resolution to abrogate the Suspension of Operation agreement signed with the UPF and KNO.
He also said that the Suspension of Operation with the Kuki-Zo groups has heralded peace and tranquillity before adding that the demand for abrogation of SoO with the Kuki-Zo groups by the Meetei community and the resolution passed by the Manipur Legislative Assembly urging the centre to abrogate SoO with the Kuki-Zo groups clearly indicated that the government is not propagating peace.
"The untoward development in the state assembly amplified the importance of Kuki-Zo's demand for constitutional safeguards to be addressed by the Government of India at the earliest in the interest of communal harmony and peace," he asserted.