Centre discussing SoO withdrawal, claims CM Biren
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 25 2024: Even though the Centre is yet to officially intimate state government about the tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement signed with Kuki militants, it is learnt that the Centre has commenced discussion on withdrawing the SoO pact, claimed chief minister N Biren Singh.

Responding to queries raised during a press conference held at CM's secretariat on Saturday, N Biren said the SoO agreement was signed between the Government of Manipur, the Government of India and Kuki militants.

However, there has been no concrete intimation from the Centre to the state government on SoO agreement till date.

The tripartite SoO was signed to bring peace but it turned out to be contradictory to the objective and accordingly the state government decided to withdraw from the agreement with the decision affirmed in the state assembly.

Now, it is learnt that the Centre has started discussion on withdrawal of SoO, Biren reiterated.

Responding to another query raised by media persons, the chief minister said he had detailed discussion on the ongoing crisis and security situation with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upen-dra Dwivedi, who recently visited the state for two days.

Manipur being a border and sensitive state, it seems that the Army chief wanted to personally assess ground situation of the crisis and his visit proves that India government is not taking the crisis in Manipur lightly.

The discussion with Army chief also figured ways and means to bring solution to the crisis at the earliest, Biren said adding that his meeting with the Indian Army chief was also attended by commanders of Army's Eastern Command, 3 Corps and IGAR (South).

According to CM Biren, genesis of the crisis in Manipur as well as state government's statement relating to the crisis were all laid before the visiting COAS backed with supporting documents, records and maps.

During the meeting, the visiting COAS had patient and positive hearing of my points and it is expected that General Upendra Dwivedi would take up some positive steps when he reaches New Delhi, Biren said.

Meanwhile, lauding Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for passing a Bill in Assam state assembly to make Manipuri language associate language in four districts of the neighbouring state, CM Biren said the long cherished dream of Manipuris settling in Assam have been fulfilled.

He then thanked Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and entire members of Assam state assembly for passing the Bill.

Regarding the condition of roads across the state and inconvenience faced by public, N Biren conceded that the government is aware about deterioration of roads and bridges due to heavy rains and three spells of flood.

However, government is according top priority to improving roads and planning to repair all the bad roads at once when rainy season ends as procurement of equipment and materials for road construction is already in process.

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