Don't extend SoO, demand WMC, MYL, GMF
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 06 2024: A 12-point charter of demands has been submitted to Chief Minister N Biren Singh urging the Government to not extend the Suspension of Operation (SoO) Agreement with Kuki militants, said World Meetei Council chairman Heigrujam Nabashyam today.

The charter of demands was jointly submitted by the World Meetei Council (WMC), Meitei Yaipha Lup (Europe) and Global Manipur Federation.

The tripartite SoO Agreement, which is extended from time to time, is due to expire this month (February).

Beside other demands, the organisations urged the Government not to extend the agreement, Nabashyam said, speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club, Imphal.

The representation, submitted to the Chief Minister emphasised and appealed to the State Government to send the required data, documents and recommendations to the Centre's Ministry of Tribal Affairs to include Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribes' list before the Parliamentary elections.

Manipur can't be broken by illegal immigrants, it said, urging the Government to strengthen the State security forces in Moreh and arm them with adequate modern up-to-date weapons.

Through the representation, the organisations urged the Centre and the State Government to bring a solution to the crisis at the earliest and take up appropriate steps to provide livelihood to people who have been displaced.

The organisations emphasised that the Government must focus on taking up steps to root out poppy cultivation from Manipur.

While placing the demands, the representation also raised questions about the initiatives the Government has taken amid the conflict.

It asked if the Government has started any process to bring about a political solution.

It was the Government's failure that resulted in the loss of lives and properties of the people, it said, asking what it (Government) has done for safety and security of all communities in Manipur amid the conflict.

The conflict has taken a toll on the people and thousands have been displaced, it said, asking the Government about the initiatives it has taken up for rehabilitation and compensation of the victims.

The organisations asserted that the Government must state who started the "war", and held those responsible accountable.

The organisations also asked the Government if it has taken up any steps regarding the false narratives of the conflict that have shown Meiteis in the bad light in the United Nations and European Parliament.

The war on drugs and poppy cultivation, and illegal immigrants identification drives were the causes of the conflict.

Not being able to travel freely to Kangpokpi, Moreh and Churachandpur as Manipuris is against the Constitution that guarantees citizens free movement within the territory of the country, said the organisations.

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