Imphal: Thirty-four members of Manipur Legislative Assembly on Sunday resolved that Suspension of Operation (SoO) with militants who indulge in killing of innocent civilians and violation of ground rules should be abrogated immediately.
“The SoO agreements with the armed militant groups, and the immunity it provides to these groups from a firm reaction from Central forces, is the main cause of the never-ending cycle of violence,” the resolution said.
“Thus, Suspension of Operation with militants who indulge in killing of innocent civilians and violation of ground rules should be abrogated immediately. The SoO agreement with other militant groups who also indulge in anti-state activities should not be extended beyond its expiry date of 29/2/2024.”
Complete disarmament of all illegal arms in the possession of miscreants and unauthorised persons in the entire state at the earliest by the central and state forces, the resolution said.
Armed attacks (using sophisticated weaponry such as Rocket Propelled Grenade launchers) on Indian soil, Indian citizens and state security forces by Myanmar-based armed militants must be stopped at all costs. It will be to the detriment of the prestige of the Republic of India if this cannot be achieved in short order, it added.
It said, in many of the sensitive areas, Assam Rifles are not responsive and remain mute spectators when unarmed civilians (particularly farmers) are being indiscriminately fired upon frequently. The claim that their deployment is providing security to the communities residing in these areas has been questioned. “These forces and their leadership (chain of command) need to give strict instructions and be held accountable and replaced with forces that have the ability to act by returning suppressive fire when they observe that unarmed civilians are being fired upon, to enable civilians to get to cover and safety.” Such a reaction, which is wholly appropriate to safeguard the lives of civilians under fire, has been non-existent which is why the public’s faith and trust in the forces presently deployed at places such as Moreh, Bishnupur, Imphal West, Kakching etc. has been shattered, it added.
The legislators have unanimously resolved that Government of India should take up appropriate action at the earliest.
“If Government of India is unable to take any positive action as per these demands, we the legislators will take appropriate action in consultation with the public,” the legislators cautioned.
A total of 34 legislators signed in the resolution paper. Chief minister N. Biren Singh was not among the signatories.
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