Former Deputy Chief Minister Yumnam Joykumar has delivered a strong political warning over the continued Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement with Kuki militant groups, asserting that the ceasefire framework cannot be allowed to continue indefinitely and that the situation must ultimately be restored to the status that prevailed before the agreement.
Joykumar made the statement today while speaking as chief guest at the closing ceremony of a 10-km marathon organised by the Langol Youth Development Club under the guidance of the 189 Battalion, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Langol, as part of the Government of India’s “Sports for Peace and Development” initiative.
Referring to his own involvement in the SoO process, Joykumar said he was among the original signatories to the agreement. He alleged, however, that Kuki militant groups operating under the SoO framework had repeatedly violated the ground rules governing the arrangement.
He said the violations, which had previously been raised in connection with various activities, had now assumed a far more serious dimension, with allegations of killings and other grave incidents being reported.
Joykumar questioned the inability of both the Government of India and the Manipur Government to take effective action despite repeated alleged violations of the SoO ground rules. Referring to the reported killing of six Naga civilians, he said the development had further aggravated the seriousness of the situation.
He cautioned that failure to act decisively against violations could embolden groups operating under the SoO arrangement and create further instability.
The former Deputy Chief Minister maintained that the SoO arrangement was never intended to become a permanent framework. He asserted that the State must eventually return to the situation that existed before the agreement, signalling the need for a clear reassessment of the present arrangement.
On the marathon, Joykumar appreciated the initiative of the 189 Battalion CRPF and the Langol Youth Development Club, saying sporting activities could play an important role in creating a peaceful environment and providing young people with a constructive avenue.
He expressed hope that such initiatives would inspire the younger generation and help identify and nurture promising sportspersons.
Glasgow Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Sorokhaibam Bidyarani, Shija Hospitals Managing Director Dr Palin and CRPF officials, besides members of the public, attended the event.
More than 120 participants took part in the 10-km marathon, while over 100 participated in the marathon beginning near Shija Hospital. Cash prizes were awarded to winners in the 10-km, 6-km and 4-km categories.