Maheshwar Thounaojam, National Secretary and Central Working Committee (CWC) Member of the Republican Party of India (Athawale), who also serves as the Manipur State President of the party, has strongly condemned the recent extension of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.
In a statement uploaded on social media, Maheshwar alleged that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Kuki-Zo Council have issued contradictory narratives on the pact. While the MHA claims that the extension will safeguard Manipur’s territorial integrity and pave the way for peace, the Kuki-Zo Council’s clarification reportedly maintained that there was no highway blockade but buffer zones would remain, thereby restricting the free movement of Meiteis. He described this situation as a direct threat to civilians.
He further questioned why groups under the SoO framework were being given what he termed “special treatment” despite their unlawful activities. He also expressed disappointment over the silence of elected representatives, urging all political leaders, regardless of party affiliation, to oppose the extension.
Calling the agreement “meaningless” and “against the interests of the state,” Maheshwar asserted that it could be revoked at any time.