Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has called for physical verification and temporary confinement of cadres covered by Suspension of Operations (SoO) and peace agreements, along with sustained security operations against armed groups and unauthorised weapons, as measures to address the continuing conflict in the state.
Biren met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Lok Bhavan in Imphal at around 11.45 am today and apprised him of the security situation, particularly in the hill districts. He later told reporters that he had proposed keeping verified cadres of groups under SoO and those engaged in peace talks at their designated camps, along with their weapons, for an initial period of two to three months.
He suggested that the strength of cadres under the respective arrangements be physically verified against their numbers at the time of signing. Authorised cadres should remain confined to designated camps, while their weapons should be deposited, securely locked and periodically verified, he said.
Biren also proposed coordinated and sustained security operations across the state during the period to identify armed groups operating outside existing arrangements, recover unauthorised weapons and take action against those involved in violence.
Citing figures based on his assessment, Biren said around 2,180 Kuki cadres were covered by SoO arrangements, while the Pambei-led United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) had around 1,400 and 300 cadres respectively under peace-related arrangements.
The ZUF entered into a cessation-of-operations agreement with the Centre and Manipur government in December 2022, while the Pambei-led UNLF faction signed a peace agreement in November 2023.
On the displacement crisis, Singh called for the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their original places of residence with adequate security, reconstruction and rehabilitation support.
He also urged the state government to pursue the National Register of Citizens (NRC) with the Centre, citing resolutions adopted by the Manipur Legislative Assembly.
Biren said he believed the measures could help address the continuing conflict as well as concerns relating to illegal immigration. He added that the Governor had assured him that the issues would be raised with the Centre.