4 BJP MLAs urge Amit Shah to abrogate SoO
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 18 2023:
Four BJP MLAs have written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to abrogate the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement signed with Kuki militant groups.
The MLAs include Karam Shyam, Th Radheshyam Singh, Paonam Brojen Singh and Kh Raghumani.
A copy of the letter they sent to Amit Shah and shared with this paper said further extension of the SoO agreement with Kuki militant groups may challenge the unity and integrity of Manipur.
In the letter, the MLAs noted that they were not informed about a meeting and a signature campaign conducted among the MLAs regarding the extension of SoO agreement with the Kuki militants.
The MLAs were referring to a report published in some dailies that as many as 34 MLAs including elected leaders from hill districts have submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah against continuation of the SoO pact with the Kuki militant groups.
It was reported that the 34 MLAs demanded immediate withdrawal of the SoO pact and deployment of adequate Central security forces in Churachandpur, Moreh and all sensitive areas of the State.
Meanwhile, the four MLAs' letter stressed that they also share the same opinion with the people of Manipur regarding the demand for non-extension of the SoO pact.
"We too share the same opinion with the people of the State of Manipur regarding the demand for non-extension of SoO agreement with Kuki militants as this [extension] may challenge the unity and integrity of Manipur," the four MLAs said.
They also sought constant intervention of the Union Home Minister to bring peace and normalcy at the earliest.
The Suspension of Operation (SoO) is a tripartite agreement signed between the Government of India, Government of Manipur and the Kuki militant groups.
The pact was first signed between the Centre and the Kuki militant groups in 2008 and the State Government came on board only later.