IMPHAL: The Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has issued a stern warning to the Government of India, urging caution in extending the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Chin-Kuki “narco-terrorist” groups.
Emphasizing the need for thorough scrutiny and reassessment, COCOMI has raised concerns regarding the potential ramifications of hastily extending the agreement.
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In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, COCOMI highlighted the urgency of the matter as the expiration date of the SoO pact with the Chin-Kuki groups approaches on February 28, 2024.
The organisation from Manipur expressed deep concerns over the lack of substantial progress in the peace process despite numerous extensions since 2008.
Additionally, they pointed out repeated violations of the agreement’s ground rules, exacerbating the already volatile situation in Manipur.
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COCOMI underlined recent escalations of violence in Manipur, attributing them to the direct involvement of Kuki militant groups in targeted attacks against Indian Army and state police personnel.
This reality, according to the committee, underscores the necessity for caution and a comprehensive re-evaluation of any decisions concerning the extension of the SoO agreement.
Furthermore, COCOMI urged the Government of India to exercise extreme caution and refrain from hastily extending the SoO agreement without conducting thorough scrutiny and reassessment.
The organisation stressed the importance of addressing SoO ground rule violations and illegal activities perpetrated by these groups promptly, prioritizing the safety and security of Manipur’s indigenous people above all other considerations.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, COCOMI referenced the decision by the Manipur government to withdraw from the SoO agreement and declare Chin-Kuki armed groups as ‘terrorists’ on March 10 last year.