The Manipur Indigenous Alliance (MIA) has demanded an apology from the Congress party over its role in the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework with Kuki militant groups, calling for the agreement’s abrogation and accountability for decisions taken in 2005 and 2008.
In a statement responding to the Congress press conference held on October 25, MIA alleged that the informal ceasefire initiated in 2005 and the formal SoO agreement signed in 2008 strengthened armed groups without adequate accountability. It also questioned whether the decisions were driven by security concerns or electoral considerations.
Citing an Intelligence Bureau-related report published by Outlook in December 2005, the alliance claimed that concerns had been raised over the ceasefire enhancing the status of smaller Kuki groups.
MIA further alleged that weaknesses in the SoO framework contributed to the violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, and criticised the present government for failing to enforce ground rules, act against unauthorised camps and adequately protect indigenous communities.
The alliance urged Congress to acknowledge its historical responsibility and support abrogation of the SoO framework rather than merely demanding stricter enforcement. It also called on the state government to withdraw designated camp status and take decisive measures to protect indigenous communities.
MIA maintained that both Congress and the present government must be held accountable for their respective policies concerning the SoO framework and Manipur’s continuing crisis.