Imphal: Some militant groups have violated the Ground Rules of Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreements signed to maintain peace in Manipur and improve law and order, and the state government is pressing the Centre to withdraw the peace accord for SoO rule violators, Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh said on Saturday.

Biren was briefing a group of reporters at his secretariat, here.

Manipur Legislative Assembly had resolved to press the central government to withdraw the SoO agreement with those militant groups that are violating the ground rules in the current crisis.

“Some militant groups under SoO have already violated the ground rules and disrupted peace and tranquillity in Manipur. We are keen to expel these militant groups from the agreement. We have received information that the central government is discussing the matter,” said Biren.

The SoO agreement with 25 armed Kuki militant groups in Manipur was signed with the central government and the Manipur government in August 2008.

Manipur government withdrew from the tripartite SoO agreement on March 10, 2023, with two militant groups, the Kuki National Army (KNA) and the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA), alleging their involvement in inciting agitation among illegal forest encroachers.

Biren said his meeting with the Chief of the Indian Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, at his residence on Friday was productive.

General Dwivedi visited Imphal to review the ground security arrangements in vulnerable areas of Manipur in connection with the present unrest in the state.

They had a thorough discussion on restoring peace in Manipur, and Biren handed over some maps of Manipur and other relevant documents. He indicated that some positive steps might be taken after General Dwivedi returns to Delhi.

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