Written By Sangeeta Das
Indians, concerned about national security, along with the Meitei Community, have long been demanding the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations or SoO agreement, set to expire on February 29, due to reported violations of ground rules by Kuki Militants. Notably, this demand received backing from 34 Manipur legislators in January, accentuating the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the Northeastern State, which has been plagued by violence for nearly a year since last May.
The persistent cycle of violence in Manipur has compelled the Union Home Ministry to take decisive action, such as scrapping the Free Movement Regime or FMR along the Bharat-Myanmar border. However, all eyes are now on whether New Delhi will opt to terminate the SoO agreement with 24 Kuki insurgent groups due to ongoing violations of ground rules. A decision on this matter is expected by the end of the month.
About SoO Agreement
Signed during the tenure of the Manmohan Singh led Central Government on August 22, 2008, the SoO agreement also involved the Manipur Government led by Congress’ Okram Ibobi Singh, and 34 Kuki rebel groups. Its primary objective was to initiate a political dialogue with the militant groups. Initially, the Kuki organisations, which had previously advocated for a separate Kuki State, agreed to the establishment of a Kukiland Territorial Council with distinct financial and administrative authority, separate from the Manipur Assembly and Government. Initially set for one-year duration, the SoO agreement has been routinely extended on yearly basis.
Agreed Ground Rules Under SoO Agreement
- Kuki rebel groups such as UPF and the KNO are mandated to adhere to the Constitution of Bharat, the laws of the land, and uphold the territorial integrity of Manipur.
- These groups are prohibited from engaging in any form of violence, unlawful activities, or atrocities, including extortion.
- Militant cadres must remain confined to camps designated by the Central Government. These camps must be situated away from populated areas and highways. Movement between camps requires approval from authorities, with frequent movers being issued special ID cards.
- Arms must be deposited in a secure room under a double-locking system supervised by the camp’s central authority. Keys must be shared with the group and relevant security forces. Records of armoury contents should be accessible to the police.
- The groups are prohibited from acquiring additional arms or weapons and from undertaking activities that disrupt governance, the economy, or essential services. This includes refraining from fresh recruitment or blockades.
- Security forces such as the Indian Army, Para Military Force, State Police, and Assam Rifles are restricted from conducting operations and stringent actions.
Provisions For Rebels Under SoO Agreement
- The groups were furnished with arms to safeguard their camps and protect their leaders.
- Rehabilitation Package: As part of a rehabilitation package, underground cadres residing in designated camps receive a monthly stipend of Rs 5,000.
- Financial Aid for Camp Maintenance: Financial assistance is extended to maintain the camps and ensure their operational functionality.
Critics argue that these provisions, provided by the Congress-led Government from taxpayers’ money, inadvertently nurtured militant elements. Profits from illicit activities such as drug trafficking and military support from Myanmar has emboldened their resurgence and renewed calls for the establishment of Kukiland.
Allegations By Meitei Community
Support for Violent Activities: Kuki Zo civilians have allegedly provided support to their relatives engaged in violent activities, facilitating the smuggling of advanced weapons from Myanmar into Manipur. This claim is substantiated by reports of the Assam Rifles uncovering significant caches of explosives and war-like stores in Mizoram’s Champhai and Siaha districts, among other instances.
Political Silence: The Leftist ecosystem and Opposition parties, often critical of Manipur CM N Biren Singh, have reportedly remained silent on these issues, failing to address concerns raised by the Meitei community.
Nature of Manipur Violence: Manipur’s history of violence is attributed to attacks by Kuki Chin Zo Separatists and Kuki Narco Terrorists, operating under the guise of the SoO agreement. Manipur violence, orchestrated by Kuki Narco Terrorists and supported by the Chin Kuki militants from Myanmar, has always been a case of Bharat Under Attack in the garb of the SoO agreement. It has never been just an “ethnic clash” as portrayed by the “fibster gang” mentioned above.
Location and Activities of Militant Camps: Kuki militants allegedly established their camps near civilian settlements, frequently remaining absent from their designated camps to carry out violent acts such as kidnappings, killings, demanding extortions, transporting drug cartels and holding recruitment drives.
Response to Retaliation: When faced with retaliation for their illegal actions, Kuki militants often invoke a “buffer zone” narrative to justify their actions.
Use of Sophisticated Weapons: Instances have been reported of Kuki terrorists employing medium machine guns (MMGs) to launch attacks, including the recent testing of drone bombs.
Recruitment of Children: Allegations suggest that Kuki militants openly recruit children into their ranks, exacerbating the conflict and violating international humanitarian standards.
Destruction of Evidence: Kuki militants have allegedly destroyed evidence of their activities, such as setting ablaze forest offices and Kuki Centenary Gates, attributing blame to the Meitei community, last May. Recent incidents, including the torching of the mini-secretariat on February 15, 2024, and subsequent agitations in the name of a suspended head constable of the Manipur Police, further highlight the destruction of evidence.
Importance Of SoO Agreement Abrogation
- The SoO agreement with armed militant groups perpetuates a never-ending cycle of violence by providing immunity to these groups from firm reactions by central forces.
- In numerous sensitive areas, the Assam Rifles have been criticised for their lack of responsiveness and passive observation during frequent incidents of indiscriminate firing on unarmed civilians, particularly farmers. Consequently, doubts have been raised regarding the effectiveness of their deployment in providing security to communities.
- The SoO pact has fostered an environment conducive to the strengthening of militant outfits.
- These organisations are accused of facilitating the influx of Kuki migrants and providing them with language and combat training within their camps.
- Illegal migrants are allegedly utilised as a labour force for activities such as poppy cultivation, arms trafficking, and drug smuggling.
- The uncontrolled influx of illegal migrants from Myanmar into Manipur has persisted for an extended period. The acceptance of these migrants as soldiers for Kukiland has led to an expansion of the population, accommodated by Kuki Chiefs, officials, and SoO militant outfits in various lands, including Reserve and Protected Forests, protected sites, and wildlife sanctuaries. This has resulted in encroachment, deforestation, and other illegal activities.
- Alleged Kuki militants, bolstered by the SoO pact, have capitalised on their control over these areas and adjacent regions in Manipur and Mizoram to engage in narco-related activities such as poppy cultivation, opium production, and drug trafficking.
Kuki Militants Keep The Pot Boiling In Manipur
Kuki militants have been keeping the pot boiling in Manipur, particularly in border areas like Churachandpur district and Moreh town in Tengnoupal district. Numerous media reports highlight various incidents where Kuki militants have violated the ground rules of the SoO agreement, engaging in anti-social activities. Recent occurrences in January and February include a gunshot attack on students playing football near the foothill, the killing of Indian Reserve Police Battalion personnel, state security personnel, bomb hurling at a security post in Moreh, and intense standoffs with Assam Rifles and blockades of their movements. They have been occupying the IRB post at Dolaithabi since May 2023.
Manipur’s Lieutenant General LN Singh (retired) attributes the rising threat posed by Kuki militants to the ineffectiveness of the SoO agreement.
“Kuki militants, encouraged by immunity from the SoO agreement and leniency shown on them, are now directly threatening other security forces. It’s more than 15 years of the SoO agreement, how much more do we need it? There has to be a timeline. Someone has to answer as to how much more taxpayers’ money will be spent,” Lt General Singh said in a post on social media.
Allegations suggest that Kuki militants poured used engine oil into the River Iril at Dolaithabi in Manipur’s Imphal East to target the Meitei community. Consequently, the Dolaithabi dam shutters were closed to prevent contamination, raising fears of a large-scale drinking water crisis in Manipur. The river is also a source of livelihood for many fishermen living nearby it. This action displays a concerning disregard for both the environment and the well-being of other communities. Similar incidents, such as pouring heavy oil into the River Leimakhong on January 10, have led to environmental disasters in the past. For executing such disastrous activities they are also referred to as Kuki Eco Terrorists.
