Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam has stated that the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki armed groups has not been extended, asserting that security forces will continue search and counter-insurgency operations against suspicious armed group camps in accordance with the law, irrespective of their affiliation.
Speaking to reporters at the SEEDS complex in Sangaithel after the launch of the SEEDS Green Legacy Orchard, the Home Minister said the SoO agreement had lapsed in early September and remained unextended. In the absence of an operative agreement, he maintained, the question of violating its terms did not arise.
Addressing concerns over the failure to bring SoO cadres back to their designated camps, Govindas said the governments of Manipur and India had been attempting to resolve the issue without resorting to violence. He cited ongoing dialogue between the Centre and various civil society organisations as one of the factors influencing the government’s approach, while acknowledging the public’s demand for decisive action against armed groups.
The Home Minister said the government understood the sentiments of the people and hoped the Centre would act in accordance with their expectations. Referring to the Centre’s stated goal of making India Nasha Mukt Bharat by 2029 and ending violence, he expressed hope that the commitment would translate into effective action in Manipur.
On the proposed relocation of SoO-designated camps, Govindas said the shifting had already been agreed upon and incorporated into the previous agreement. A timeframe had been provided, and financial assistance had also been extended for infrastructure development at the relocated camps. He asserted that the camps would be shifted in accordance with the agreed terms.
He further said the state government would continue security operations as long as the SoO agreement remained unextended, adding that the Centre and the state government understood public sentiment surrounding the decision not to renew the pact.
Providing details of a joint security operation at Sinai camp, the Home Minister said security personnel found 18 individuals at the site. One of them was identified as a KNF cadre, while the remaining 17 were detained by police for verification and were to be arrested, subject to the legal process, as the authorities sought to establish their organisational affiliations through interrogation.
He alleged that the presence of the individuals at the camp constituted a gross violation of the terms and conditions stipulated under the SoO arrangement. However, he reiterated that the agreement had already lapsed and had not been renewed.
The Home Minister also confirmed that those arrested in connection with the killing of three civilians at Khongban Sunurok were in custody and being interrogated. The accused were reportedly members of the Kuki National Front (KNF), although their specific faction—whether KNF (N) or another faction—had not yet been established.
Govindas asserted that security operations would not be restricted to any particular community or armed group. He said forces would conduct operations at suspicious locations, including camps allegedly associated with Kuki, Naga and Meitei armed groups, in accordance with the rule of law.
Explaining the challenges faced by security personnel, he pointed to the difficult geographical conditions in the hill districts, where narrow, single-access roads often complicate the movement of forces. He also noted that armed groups could use mobile communications to alert one another about security movements, allowing cadres to flee or relocate before forces reached their destinations.
Such logistical and operational difficulties sometimes prevented security forces from completing operations successfully, he said.
The Home Minister assured that both the state and central governments would take necessary security measures without discrimination. He added that the Centre had assured the Manipur government that action would be taken impartially.
