The Meitei Alliance, a coalition of diaspora organisations representing the Meitei community across India and abroad, has issued a strong appeal to Union Home Minister Amit Shah urging the Government of India not to renew the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with Kuki armed groups.
In an open letter dated June 8, the Alliance expressed deep concern over what it termed “continued inaction” by the central government in addressing alleged violations committed by Kuki groups operating under the SoO framework since its inception in 2008. The letter outlines a range of serious allegations, including threats to the territorial integrity of Manipur, violent crimes, extortion, illegal recruitment, and cross-border linkages with foreign militants.
One of the key concerns raised was the recent seizure of over 50,000 combat uniforms in Bangladesh reportedly linked to the Kuki National Front (KNF), which the Alliance claims points to broader security threats involving external actors.
The Alliance accused the Kuki groups of using the SoO arrangement as a shield for terrorism and alleged their involvement in encouraging large-scale illegal immigration from Myanmar, destabilising demographic and ecological balance, and participating in narcotics trafficking and arms smuggling. It also warned that continuing the agreement could further militarise ethnic lines and weaken democratic and constitutional governance in Manipur.
The Meitei Alliance reaffirmed its earlier memorandum submitted to the Home Minister on February 20, 2024, and urged the Centre to end the SoO framework permanently. It warned that any renewal would be tantamount to legitimising violence and impunity and would deepen instability in the region.
The Alliance includes diaspora groups from major Indian cities as well as countries like Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA.