‘Manipur government has no power to abrogate SoO agreement with Kuki militants’

Imphal: Manipur government has no power to abrogate the Suspension of Operation (SoO) with Kuki militants as it is a Tripartite matter, chief minister N. Biren Singh said on Thursday at the state assembly session.

“So far, the Centre has neither withdrawn nor extended SoO which implied that the state’s grievances and demands have been considered,” Biren said.

The chief minister was responding to Congress MLA K. Ranjit Singh over the SoO issue.

Ranjit said the statement was a confusing and contradictory response..

Biren said the state cabinet after seeing the unwanted activities of the militant groups, withdrew from the pact in March 2023. The decision to withdraw was also sent to the Centre government and since then the agreement has not been extended.

“The SoO agreement a tripartite pact between the central government, Manipur government and multiple Kuki militant groups”, he said.

The accord should still be considered in effect. The central government has not extended the SoO agreement with Kuki militant groups since February 29, 2024, following the resolution adopted by the state government and state assembly, Biren said.

Between March 1, 2024 and July 31, 2024 police arrested three cadres belonging to the SoO groups, and 137 FIRs have been registered in connection with thier activities, he added.

The chief minister said that the central government has respected the decision of Manipur State cabinet and Assembly by not extending the SoO agreement since February 2024. Centre’s action reflects a recognition of the state government’s stance on the issue, he added.

Responding to the question raised by MLA  Th. Lokeshwar Singh on the alternative arrangement of the poppy cultivators for their livelihood, highlighted the various schemes and policies to be availed by the poppy cultivators including credit loans, seeds etc. for shifting to practice horticultural and agricultural plantation such as turmeric, ginger, lemon etc.