Booklet 'Ghost of Peace' details flouting of SoO rules
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 29 2024:
The Meitei Alliance on Thursday launched their booklet titled 'Ghost of Peace: Why not abrogate SoO agreement with Kuki Armed Groups to Prevent Destabilisation of India' at Manipur Press Club.
The event was attended by All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) president Bijoy Kakchingtabam, AMWJU senior member Rk Nimai, and Alliance members Malem Ningthouja and Chand Potshangbam as the presidium members.
Speaking on the occasion, Malem Ningthouja noted that even after the suspension of operation (SoO) agreement was signed by the union and state governments with Kuki National Organisation and United People's Front in 2008, not many are aware about the actual terms and conditions of the agreement, thereby emboldening the Kuki militants bound by the pact to continue committing many crimes.
It was only after the infamous incident on May 3, 2023 that people started to scrutinise the agreement, he mentioned while asserting that the May 3 incident had well-armed cadres of Kuki outfits under SoO accord joining the 'Solidarity March' and even attacking unarmed civilians.
As such, taking into consideration involvement of cadres of SoO signatory Kuki outfits in the ongoing unrest in the state, it is high time for revision of the agreement, he stressed.
Malem Ningthouja stated that in view of the importance for documentation and compilation of relevant and requisite documents, memorandums, complaints, news reports, analysis and opinions, the single volume booklet having elaborate information on genesis of the ethnic violence and violation of SoO ground rules by Kuki outfits.