MFO, MNYO oppose relocation of SoO militant camps
Source: The Sangai Express / NNN

Senapati, September 09 2025: The Maring Frontal Organisations and the Manipur Naga Youth Organisation have expressed strong objection to proposed relocation of SoO Kuki militants' camps to Naga areas.

The Maring Frontal Organisations in a statement said it strongly opposes any decision of the Government of India to relocate the KNO Hermon camp from Chehlep to Samukom.

The move is deeply shocking, arbitrary, and unacceptable to the people of the area.

The route through Samukom is a vital lifeline for all communities, particularly the Nagas, commuting Machi, Kamjong, Rilram area and Moreh, it said.

"Placing a SoO camp in this sensitive location will not only terrorize ordinary commuters but it will also create an atmosphere of fear and mistrust.

Such a decision calls into question the sincerity and fairness of the Government of India's policy in dealing with issues that directly impact the lives of indigenous peoples," it said.

If the camp is to be shifted, it must be located only in areas exclusively surrounded by Kuki villages, where the risk of inter-community conflict would be minimal, it added.

The past cannot be ignored - Naga villages have suffered community flare-ups, with Maring village gates burnt down and innocent villagers physically assaulted by armed groups.

Relocating the camp to Samukom would be a recipe for renewed tensions, endangering the fragile peace and harmony of the region, it said.

The Maring Frontal Organisations urged the Government of India to "immediately reconsider and revoke such ill-conceived move".

Any failure to act with sensitivity and justice will be viewed as a deliberate disregard for the safety and rights of the Maring people and neighbouring Naga communities, it added.

The Manipur Naga Youth Organisation said it "strongly opposes the shifting of Thingsat SoO camp to Naga ancestral land".

"Shifting the SoO camp to Naga ancestral land will invite more trouble in the area," it said.

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