The Government’s silence on SoO: A breeding ground for confusion and distrust

The suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement between the Government of India, the Government of Manipur, and the Kuki armed groups—Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF)—remains a subject of intense controversy. With the agreement having lapsed on February 28, 2024, the government’s failure to provide a clear declaration on its status has only deepened confusion among the public. The lack of transparency raises questions about the central government’s sincerity in addressing the ongoing crisis in Manipur.
The Manipur state cabinet had earlier resolved to withdraw from the SoO agreement, followed by a resolution passed in the state assembly urging the Centre to abrogate the deal. However, there has been no clear response from the Government of India. Instead, a conspicuous silence prevails, further fueling speculation and unrest. If the agreement has been extended, it must be made public to prevent misinformation and ensure accountability. The people deserve to know the truth rather than being left to speculate on such a critical issue.
Recent developments have only reinforced concerns regarding the status of the SoO. A statement from the Kuki-Zo Council, which appears to be a frontal body of the Kuki militant groups, revealed that on February 22, the Assam Rifles Headquarters at Leiraoching had called UPF spokesperson Aron Kipgen to receive the Governor’s directive. The directive reportedly instructed the cadres of KNF-P, a faction under UPF, to deposit weapons and return to designated camps. The statement was issued while condemning the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA), which had questioned the relationship between Kuki militants and the Assam Rifles following an incident where UPF cadres were caught red-handed near Leiraoching.
If the SoO agreement has indeed lapsed, how were UPF cadres allowed to travel with weapons to the Assam Rifles headquarters in the middle of the night? How does one explain the presence of video evidence, as claimed by the SDSA, showing the militants moving alongside Assam Rifles personnel? The government must provide clear answers. The reluctance to clarify the agreement’s status has created an environment where public trust in government institutions is rapidly eroding.
The prolonged crisis in Manipur is inextricably linked to the existence of the SoO. The KNO and UPF, both parties to the agreement, have been openly involved in the ongoing turmoil. The demands of the ten Kuki MLAs advocating for separate administration are directly aligned with the directives of the KNO and UPF. Furthermore, several Kuki civil society organizations (CSOs) continue to push narratives that escalate tensions rather than promote peace. It is, therefore, an open secret that the SoO groups are playing a pivotal role in fueling the ongoing conflict.
By failing to clarify the status of the SoO, the Government of India risks further alienating the people of Manipur. Any decision on extending or withdrawing the agreement must be conveyed transparently to ensure accountability. The people have a right to know whether the militant groups continue to enjoy protection under the SoO or if they should now be treated as non-state actors violating the law.
A democratic government must uphold the principles of transparency and sincerity. The ongoing ambiguity benefits no one except those who thrive in the shadows of uncertainty. If the SoO has been extended, the government must state so officially, along with justifications for such a decision. If it has not been extended, then strict action must be taken against groups that continue to act as if it remains in force.
The conflict in Manipur cannot be resolved without addressing the fundamental issues at its core. The Government of India must recognize that maintaining a double standard on the SoO only exacerbates tensions. Clarity and transparency are essential for restoring public trust and ensuring that governance remains credible. It is time for the government to step forward and provide an unambiguous answer on the fate of the SoO—before the silence leads to further unrest and chaos.