SoO Agreement with Kuki Militants Still in Effect: Manipur CM Clarifies

Manipur Today 

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has confirmed that the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with Kuki militants remains active, despite the state government's previous decision to withdraw from it.

Addressing concerns raised by opposition MLA K Ranjit Singh in the state assembly, CM Biren Singh clarified that the SoO agreement—a tripartite pact involving the Manipur government, the central government, and Kuki militant groups—is still in effect because the central government has not officially withdrawn from it.

“The central government has not taken any formal steps to terminate the agreement,” the Chief Minister stated in the assembly.

However, CM Singh pointed out that the central government has not extended the SoO agreement with the Kuki groups since February 29, 2024. This situation emerged after the Manipur Assembly passed a resolution to withdraw the state's participation in the agreement.

The assembly's decision was a response to ongoing tensions and violence involving militant groups under the SoO agreement.

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

“The Assembly resolved to withdraw from the SoO agreement, and the state cabinet supported this decision. Yet, the Chief Minister’s statement implies that the agreement is still active, which raises questions about the state's position,” the MLA commented.

Ranjit Singh also raised the issue of potential complications if the central government were to retroactively renew the SoO agreement, despite the state’s withdrawal. The validity of continuing the tripartite agreement when one party has opted out remains uncertain.

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

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

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