Manipur Cabinet Resolves To Withdraw From SoO

On Friday, the Manipur cabinet made the decision to remove the state government from SoO agreements with three insurgent groups located in the hills: the Kuki National Army (KNA), the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA), and the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA).

This decision was made in light of recent rallies held in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal districts, and a confrontation between protestors and police in Kangpokpi district. The cabinet reviewed the law and order situation in various districts, and the decision will now be sent to the Centre. A press release stated that the cabinet regarded the rallies as unconstitutional and therefore illegal.

After a detailed deliberation, the Cabinet decided to withdraw the State Government from tripartite talks/SoO agreements with three hill-based insurgent groups, namely the Kuki National Army (KNA), the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) whose leaders hail from outside the state, it stated. According to sources, the state government will also withdraw the SoO agreement with the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA).  The Cabinet further reaffirmed that the state government will not compromise on steps taken to protect the State’s forest resources and for eradicating poppy cultivation, it mentioned.

According to the statement, the DC and SPs of Churachandpur and Tengnoupal have been served show cause notices for permitting the rally in contravention of the CrPC 144 prohibitory orders. The statement also stated that officials who were responsible for security lapses would be held accountable through appropriate action. It should be noted that the Union Government, Manipur State Government, and the hill-based insurgent groups mentioned earlier were engaged in tripartite talks after signing the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements.

Source: IFP