TIM details terror of SoO groups
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 09 2025:
While condemning the Molnom incident where an Imphal bound bus was stopped and its occupants were harassed by armed Kuki militants, the Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) has revealed a long list of illegal activities carried out by the SoO signatory militants in violation of the ground rules of the agreement.
"Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) strongly condemns the recent escalation of terror activities by Kuki SoO (Suspension of Operations) groups.
These actions, which include illegal frisking, firing, and brutal assaults, directly violate the SoO agreement.
This surge in violence once again confirms our long-held concerns and demonstrates that these groups operate with impunity," it said in a statement.
TIM then listed a series of incidents involving Kuki militants where it said SoO ground rules were violated.
It also accused the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) of being a proxy of one of the Kuki militant groups and collecting Rs 200 from each household in Motbung.
The recent incidents involving SoO Kuki militants as provided by TIM are reproduced below--
September 8, 2025: Ukhrul district--Unlawful frisking and firing by armed militants from the Kuki National Organisation (KLA/KNO) terrorized bus passengers on the Sanakeithel-Imphal road.
These militants belong to the SoO-signatory KNO conglomerate of KLA/KLO who are illegally settled at Gampum village near T Gamnom camp.
This was done with the.
instruction of Jangboi Kipgen, chairman of the Unified Command of all SoO groups and non-SoO groups in Kangpokpi district.
September 5, 2025: Churachandpur district-Cadres from the KNO's KNF (MC), a group under the SoO agreement, "brutally assaulted" Henkhopao Haokip, the chief of Joujangtek village, in an unprovoked attack.
September 7, 2025: Warning stringent penalty to those who will not pay, each household in Motbung Thadou village was required to contribute Rs 200.The collection, reportedly organized by CoTU, a proxy of Kuki militant groups, was carried out following an announcement by Lamkholen Singsit, Member of the Motbung Village Authority.
September 4, 2025: Kangpokpi district--Hours after the SoO extension was signed on September 4, 2025 at New Delhi, KNF (SoO group) cadres reportedly fired without provocation in the Khengjang area, causing widespread panic.
This incident, allegedly at the instruction of KNF's home secretary Jangboi Kipgen, shows a shocking disregard for the newly renewed agreement.
Jangboi Kipgen has recently been elevated as the chairman of the Unified Command comprising both SoO signatory and non-SoO Kuki militant groups in Kangpokpi district and was the "key driver" of Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU).
"These incidents prove that the SoO agreement, rather than fostering peace, empowers these militant groups to carry out violence and criminal activities to promote their Kuki supremacist ideology.
While the general public is denied free movement, these armed militants operate freely without consequence," TIM said.
It added that the Kuki SoO groups routinely downplay or dismiss their illegal acts.
When caught red-handed, they disown the cadres involved.
refusing to take organizational responsibility.
The Government's inaction has allowed this cycle to continue.
This pattern was tragically evident in the brutal August 30 murder of Thadou leader Nehkam Jomhao, who was a peace advocate and chairman of Thadou Literature Society, Assam.
He was killed and mutilated by Kuki SoO militants, including members of the Manipur-based KRA/ KNO and Assam-based KRA.
Despite the involvement of several Kuki militants and civil society groups, no leaders have been held accountable, TIM said.
Amid such incidents, the silence of all Kuki organizations, militant, civil, and Church groups, or their leaders is deafening.
Not one of them has condemned these incidents or expressed solidarity, it added.
"Allowing militant groups to operate freely against the public as long as they don't fight the Government is a flawed policy.
It appears the Government is more concerned with placating these groups than protecting its own citizens.
Law-breaking militant groups should be outlawed and confined, not given free rein to terrorize the community," TIM asserted.
The Government must either enforce India's sovereignty and the rule of law or state its status on these matters to the Indian public.
The current approach will likely prolong instability rather than solve the underlying problems, it said.
"We urge the people of Manipur and India to unite against this terrorism.
We implore the Government of India and Manipur State Government to rise above political considerations and take immediate action to protect the citizens and restore peace and order," TIM said.
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