Manipur government to withdraw from suspension of operation agreements with 2 hill-based militant groups

“Discussed reviewing the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, particularly with the ZRA and KNA who are allegedly influencing the agitations after the eviction noticed were issued to the forest encroachers,” Singh posted on Twitter.

The cabinet noted that the rallies were organised for a cause which is unconstitutional and were therefore illegal, a statement issued by the state government said.

“After a detailed deliberation, the cabinet decided to withdraw the state government from tripartite talks/SoO agreements with three hill-based insurgent groups, namely the Kuki National Army (KNA), the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) whose leaders hail from outside the state,” it stated.

The cabinet further reaffirmed that the state government will not compromise on steps taken to protect the state’s forest resources and for eradicating poppy cultivation, the statement added.

Show cause notices have been issued to the DC and SPs of Churachandpur and Tengnoupal for allowing the rally in violation of prohibitory orders under CrPC 144, it further stated. Strong action will be taken on officers responsible for lapses in security, it added.

The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF), two umbrella groups of Kuki militants, had signed a tripartite SoO agreement with the governments of India and Manipur on August 22, 2008. Since then, the government has been extending the agreement after it expired. The KNA and ZRA are signatories of KNO.