SoO agreement with Kuki militants remains active: Manipur CM

Imphal: Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh stated that the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with Kuki militants remains effective, despite the state government’s decision to withdraw from the pact.

The Manipur CM’s remarks came in response to questions raised by opposition MLA K Ranjit Singh in the state’s assembly.

Manipur chief minister Biren Singh clarified that the SoO agreement, a tripartite accord involving the Manipur government, the central government, and Kuki militant groups, is still considered active as the central government has not formally withdrawn from it.

“The central government has not taken any steps to officially abrogate the pact,” the Manipur CM informed the assembly.

However, Singh also pointed out that the central government has not extended the SoO agreement with the Kuki groups since February 29, 2024.

This follows the Manipur Assembly’s resolution to terminate the state’s involvement in the pact.

The resolution was passed in response to ongoing tensions and violence involving militant groups covered under the SoO.

Opposition MLA K Ranjit Singh expressed concerns over the Chief Minister’s statement, arguing that it undermines the Assembly’s authority.

“The Assembly had resolved to withdraw from the SoO agreement, and the state cabinet supported this decision. Yet, the Chief Minister’s statement suggests that the agreement is still active, raising questions about the state’s position,” the MLA remarked.

Ranjit Singh further questioned the implications if the Central Government were to retroactively renew the SoO, despite the state’s withdrawal. The legality of continuing a tripartite agreement when one party has opted out remains uncertain.

The controversy surrounding the SoO agreement dates back to March last year when the Manipur Cabinet passed a resolution to withdraw from the accord following a violent clash in Kangpokpi district over a government eviction drive.

Although the Union Home Ministry dismissed this decision, the state government renewed its demand for withdrawal in February 2024.

While the SoO agreement, originally signed in 2008, has been extended annually by the Central Government, it has not been renewed since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2024.