Review SoO extension: FOCS
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 05 2025: The Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), Kangleipak has urged the Government of India to review the extension of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact with Kuki militant groups for a year.

FOCS, in a statement issued by its secretary of information and public relation, said that the Government extending the controversial agreement despite SoO cadres' involvement in violent activities like killings and torching houses is detrimental to the people's interests.

The Federation said that extending the SoO pact is unacceptable as Kuki militants have violated the agreement's ground rules amidst the crisis.

Saying that the State Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on February 29, 2024, asking the Centre to abrogate the SoO pact due to Kuki militants' involvement in violence, FOCS stated that the Government of India's failure to respect this resolution is a blatant disregard for the democratic rights and the interest of the people.

The Federation accused the Government of India of undermining the Nation's federal framework by ignoring the resolution adopted by the State Assembly.

It urged the Government to understand the sentiments of the people and review the SoO extension to help restore peace in Manipur.

The Federation also expressed surprise at the Kuki-Zo Council's announcement regarding the opening of National Highway 2, questioning whether the Government has authorised the Kuki group to control the opening and closing of highways.

Questioning whether National Highways are no longer under the Central Government's authority, FOCS stated that the manner in which the National Highway was opened is controversial and not a cause for relief.

Peace and Integrity Committee Kyamgei (PICK), on the other hand, asked if the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) is above the Indian Government.

Questioning why the Government is not taking action against the KZC, which openly declares that buffer zones will continue to exist, it urged the Government to declare the KZC an unlawful organization.

PICK further said that the Government of India has made the Nasha Mukta Bharat (war on drug) campaign meaningless by extending the SoO agreement.

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