Biren replies to allegation of irregularities in payment of over Rs 27 crore to SoO groups

Imphal: Manipur chief minister N. Biren replies to allegations of violations and irregularities in the payment of over Rs 27 crore to militants under suspension of operation (SoO).

Biren explained that the payments were made via cheques. The areas in question are unbanked and many recipients do not have bank accounts, he said.

Biren informed the House of the Assembly session on Wednesday that monthly stipends have been released to the bank accounts of the representatives of SoO groups from time to time.

Congress MLAs K. Meghachandra and Surjakumar Okram raised queries on alleged irregularities in the payment of the sum to militants under SoO agreement in 2021.

Meghachandra revealed that Rs 27.38 crore had been distributed in two instalments via cheques in 2021 to militants under the SoO agreement. He said that the stipend money should be transferred directly to the cadres’ accounts, which are linked to their biometric data. However, the payment was made just before the state assembly elections, allegedly violating the model code of conduct, a matter currently under investigation by the Election Commission, he added.

Meghachandra criticised the lack of transparency and called for accountability, questioning if money is being paid again to SoO militants through the Manipur Police Housing Corporation.

“Amounts for SoO have been sent to representatives of the groups, but since 2022 no amount has been paid as their accounts are verified and are to be paid individually,” said Biren.

“Similarly for NREGA, we paid by cheques given this problem. Since 2021, no money has been paid to SoO militants,” Biren added.

MLA Surjakumar raised concerns over irregularities, citing a CAG report that indicated the payments were not in line with established guidelines.

He highlighted the fluctuation in the number of militants and questioned how much money had been allocated to these cadres annually since the signing of the SoO agreement.

“The fluctuation in numbers is due to splits within the underground groups,” Biren said.

MLA Surjakumar pointed out that according to the CAG report, the total number of militants is 2,181, but another report mentioned 2,166. He asked how many times the joint monitoring cell has met.

Biren said the number of militant groups, divided into the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF), is 2,181 after the reverification exercise conducted in 2013-14.

Under KNO, there are 17 militant outfits, while under UPF there are eight militant groups, said Biren. He said SoO was first signed in August 2008.

Biren informed that monthly inspections of cadres of Kuki-Zo militant groups observing SoO with the central and state governments are being conducted regularly. As part of the SoO pact, a joint monitoring group comprising representatives of central and state government agencies, the KNO, and the UPF was formed to oversee adherence to the ground rules.

Biren said he would address the matter at a later time.