IT News
Imphal, Feb 27:
The Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has submitted a memorandum to the central government, urging careful consideration and a refraining from extending the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist groups without thorough scrutiny and reassessment.
In a memorandum submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, COCOMI expressed grave concern over the recent surge in violence in Manipur, cautioning that “failure to exercise caution would risk further destabilization of Manipur and compromise the safety and security of its citizens.”
“As the expiry date of the SoO pact with Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist groups approaches on February 28, 2024, we are compelled to express our deep concerns. Despite numerous extensions since 2008 under the guise of political dialogue, progress in the peace process remains elusive. Furthermore, there have been repeated and flagrant violations of the agreement’s ground rules, exacerbating the already volatile situation in Manipur,” the committee emphasized in the letter to the Prime Minister.
“Recent escalations of violence in Manipur have provided stark evidence of the direct involvement of Kuki militant groups in targeted attacks against the Indian Army and state police personnel. This reality underscores the urgent need for caution and re-evaluation of any decisions regarding the extension of the SoO agreement,” it added.
The committee noted that numerous instances of SoO violations presented a compelling justification for the demand to abrogate the SoO agreement between Kuki militants and the Government of India.
“These breaches not only demonstrate a flagrant disregard for the terms of the agreement but also pose a significant threat to peace and stability in the region. The continued engagement of SoO cadres in criminal activities, including attacks on civilians, involvement in the narcotics trade, and flouting of Indian citizenship laws, undermines the integrity of the agreement and erodes trust in the peace process,” it stated.
Consequently, the committee called for the abrogation of the SoO agreement while urging the Centre to take immediate and decisive action to address SoO ground rule violations and illegal activities perpetrated by Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist groups.
Furthermore, it implored the central government to prioritize the safety and security of the indigenous people of Manipur above all other considerations in any decision-making process.
