IPFM, FNCC seek review of SoO
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By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Feb 18: The Indigenous People's Forum Manipur (IPFM) and Foothills Naga Coordinating Committee (FNCC) have jointly submitted a representation to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking a comprehensive review of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement involving Kuki militant groups.
The representation, submitted recently, urged the Government of India to conduct a comprehensive, transparent and time-bound review of the SoO framework and its enforcement.
Clear verification of cadres, strict adherence to camp and arms related conditions, and impartial action against all violations are essential to restoring public trust and ensuring that the SoO mechanism genuinely serves its intended objectives of ensuring lasting peace in Manipur, said the representation, a copy of which was also submitted to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
The Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement is a tripartite agreement which is renewed yearly between the Government of India, Government of Manipur, and umbrella Kuki militant groups, Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People's Front (UPF).
The agreement was signed in 2008.
As per records available, a total of 2,167 cadres belonging to various SoO groups are accommodated in designated camps across five districts of Manipur, said the IPFM and FNCC in the representation.
The 2,167 cadres include 551 cadres in Churachandpur district spread across Mongbung, N Phaisat, Chongkhojou, Thangjing and New Teikot camps; 204 cadres in Tengnoupal district at Chelep camp; 807 cadres in Kangpokpi district housed at Shamushang, T Gamnom, Natheljang and Thingsat camps; 178 cadres in Chandel district at Muol-vaiphei camp; and 427 cadres in Pherzawl district located at Ankhasuo, Phai-batang and Mt Sinai camp.
These camps were notified with clearly defined ground rules governing the movement of cadres, custody of arms and conduct during the period of SoO, it said.
While the SoO tenure was extended in 2025 with certain modifications intended to tighten monitoring and compliance, the organisations asked if the modifications made have been fully implemented.
The IPFM and FNCC asked whether the number of SoO camps has been reduced to 7, as reportedly decided, and whether the arms and ammunition of SoO groups are deposited and remain under the custody of authorised Central forces, including the BSF.
They further asked whether the 2,167 registered SoO cadres are stationed strictly within their designated camps, as per the agreed ground rules.
"It is a matter of grave public concern that armed militants continue to be seen moving freely with sophisticated weapons in several parts of the State. It is imperative to clearly establish whether such individuals belong to the recognised SoO groups," said the organisations.
If the militants moving freely with arms are SoO cadres, such actions constitute a serious violation of the agreement and must invite immediate and visible action. If they are not SoO cadres, then firm and prompt action under the law becomes unavoidable, said the organisations.
Continued ambiguity or perceived inaction in enforcing the SoO conditions risks eroding public confidence in lawful authority. When violations are left unaddressed, ordinary citizens may feel compelled to take matters into their own hands, a situation that would be extremely dangerous and detrimental to peace and stability in the State, they said.
IMPHAL, Feb 18: The Indigenous People's Forum Manipur (IPFM) and Foothills Naga Coordinating Committee (FNCC) have jointly submitted a representation to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking a comprehensive review of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement involving Kuki militant groups.
The representation, submitted recently, urged the Government of India to conduct a comprehensive, transparent and time-bound review of the SoO framework and its enforcement.
Clear verification of cadres, strict adherence to camp and arms related conditions, and impartial action against all violations are essential to restoring public trust and ensuring that the SoO mechanism genuinely serves its intended objectives of ensuring lasting peace in Manipur, said the representation, a copy of which was also submitted to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
The Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement is a tripartite agreement which is renewed yearly between the Government of India, Government of Manipur, and umbrella Kuki militant groups, Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People's Front (UPF).
The agreement was signed in 2008.
As per records available, a total of 2,167 cadres belonging to various SoO groups are accommodated in designated camps across five districts of Manipur, said the IPFM and FNCC in the representation.
The 2,167 cadres include 551 cadres in Churachandpur district spread across Mongbung, N Phaisat, Chongkhojou, Thangjing and New Teikot camps; 204 cadres in Tengnoupal district at Chelep camp; 807 cadres in Kangpokpi district housed at Shamushang, T Gamnom, Natheljang and Thingsat camps; 178 cadres in Chandel district at Muol-vaiphei camp; and 427 cadres in Pherzawl district located at Ankhasuo, Phai-batang and Mt Sinai camp.
These camps were notified with clearly defined ground rules governing the movement of cadres, custody of arms and conduct during the period of SoO, it said.
While the SoO tenure was extended in 2025 with certain modifications intended to tighten monitoring and compliance, the organisations asked if the modifications made have been fully implemented.
The IPFM and FNCC asked whether the number of SoO camps has been reduced to 7, as reportedly decided, and whether the arms and ammunition of SoO groups are deposited and remain under the custody of authorised Central forces, including the BSF.
They further asked whether the 2,167 registered SoO cadres are stationed strictly within their designated camps, as per the agreed ground rules.
"It is a matter of grave public concern that armed militants continue to be seen moving freely with sophisticated weapons in several parts of the State. It is imperative to clearly establish whether such individuals belong to the recognised SoO groups," said the organisations.
If the militants moving freely with arms are SoO cadres, such actions constitute a serious violation of the agreement and must invite immediate and visible action. If they are not SoO cadres, then firm and prompt action under the law becomes unavoidable, said the organisations.
Continued ambiguity or perceived inaction in enforcing the SoO conditions risks eroding public confidence in lawful authority. When violations are left unaddressed, ordinary citizens may feel compelled to take matters into their own hands, a situation that would be extremely dangerous and detrimental to peace and stability in the State, they said.