The Manipur Indigenous Alliance (MIA) has demanded the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement, alleging that failures in monitoring and enforcement have undermined its stated objective of maintaining peace and protecting civilians in Manipur.
In a statement, MIA alleged that the arrangement had allowed armed groups to regroup and operate without adequate accountability, contributing to the violence that has affected the state since May 3, 2023. It cited the recent security operation at Shamushang Camp, also known as Sinai Camp, in Kangpokpi district, as evidence of alleged lapses in implementing the SoO ground rules.
The alliance said the ground rules were intended to regulate the movement of cadres, verify their identities and numbers, ensure weapons accountability and facilitate rehabilitation through stipends and vocational training. However, it alleged that these safeguards had not been effectively implemented.
Referring to the revised ground rules introduced in September 2025, MIA claimed that security forces recovered 24 firearms, 38 magazines and explosives during the operation at the camp. It also alleged discrepancies between official records listing 159 cadres and the 18 individuals apprehended during the operation, claiming that only one was a registered cadre.
MIA questioned whether the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) had adequately verified the identities of cadres and monitored compliance with weapons-control provisions. It also raised concerns over the alleged existence of unauthorised camps outside the official SoO framework.
The alliance demanded that the Union and state governments disclose details of weapons transferred to security force armouries, the number of designated and unauthorised camps, the verification of cadres, and the implementation of rehabilitation programmes.
MIA also sought clarification on the legal status of the arrangement, referring to a statement attributed to the Union Home Minister that the agreement had expired on September 4, 2026.
The alliance reiterated that any peace framework must ensure accountability, restrain armed groups and protect civilians, maintaining that the alleged failures warranted the abrogation of the SoO arrangement.
