Imphal: Naga People’s Front (NPF) Manipur State Unit President Awangbow Newmai has alleged that designated militant camps under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement have turned into “centres of crime, violence and communal tension,” claiming there are sufficient records to substantiate unlawful activities linked to these camps.
Speaking to the media in Imphal on Sunday, Newmai said multiple camps established under the SoO framework across different locations have allegedly functioned as hubs for such activities. He asserted that documented evidence exists to support these claims.
The NPF, a constituent partner in the BJP-led coalition government in Manipur headed by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, made the remarks amid ongoing political and security debate surrounding the SoO arrangement.
The agreement is a tripartite ceasefire pact between the Government of India (Union Ministry of Home Affairs), the Government of Manipur, and Kuki-Zo insurgent groups, originally signed in August 2008 to halt hostilities and enable political dialogue. However, the arrangement lapsed in February 2024 after the state government withdrew from it.
Newmai further said that had the SoO agreement not been signed and had armed groups not been accommodated in designated camps, the current crisis could have been avoided. He also stated that the Congress party should acknowledge this position.
Referring to recent violence involving Kuki and Naga communities, he cited the abduction and killing of six Naga individuals. He claimed that during the release of 14 Kuki detainees, Kuki National Front (Presidential) spokesperson Aaron Kipgen reportedly admitted involvement in the abduction. He also referred to statements attributed to the Kuki-Zo Council acknowledging that Kuki militants were responsible for the killings and expressing regret.
However, Newmai stressed that expressions of regret cannot justify the killing of innocent people and demanded that those responsible be brought to justice. He reiterated that the NPF does not condone violence, killings or unlawful detention of civilians.