'SoO is the main culprit'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 06 2025: The Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement is the main "culprit" for Manipur's unprecedented crisis, and its extension recently must be condemned in the strongest terms, said former MLA RK Anand today.

He was speaking at a discourse on the topic "Political Scenario of Manipur-The Past, Present and Future in the context of the Manipur Agreement 21 September, 1949" - held at his residence at Kwakeithel Akham Leikai.

The extension of the SoO agreement is unfortunate and against the will of the people.

The agreement that is the cause of all the crises facing the State today should never have been extended, he said.

The SoO Kuki militants were involved in the killing of innocent civilians, men, women and children in the conflict.

They were involved in the abduction and killing of women and children in Jiribam.

The Government should have severed any agreement with such terrorists, Anand said.

The agreement was extended despite a unanimous resolution taken by the State Legislative Assembly before the President's Rule.

The State BJP leadership should not remain silent, he added.

To face the crises facing the State, the people must unite and work with a clear vision.

People must elect able and right leaders, RK Anand said.

If Manipur's territorial integrity is ever threatened, "we need representatives" who can assert on the Government of India to "review" the Manipur Merger Agreement, he said.

To safeguard Manipur, the Assembly must be revived, and the people must choose the right leaders by holding free and fair elections, he added.

Speaking at the gathering, former Minister Okram Joy said Manipur didn't merge with the Union of India to become its slave.

Manipur merged with India believing its people would enjoy the same rights as other citizens and be part of the country's growth, Joy said.

Had the conflict happened in Gujarat or other States of mainland India, the Prime Minister would have visited and the crisis would have resolved early, Joy asserted.

Because the conflict has happened in Manipur, the Prime Minister has not visited the State once after May 3, 2023.The President in her 2 and half hour long address in the Parliament did not mention Manipur even once.

Such attitude of the leaders of the country clearly shows that Manipur has been ignored, Joy said.

Ironically, the BJP leaders who took the decision to abrogate the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement are now seen welcoming its extension, Joy added.

Many eminent personalities, and locals and members of civil bodies attended the event.

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