Manipur: COCOMI warns Indian government against rushing SoO agreement extension with Chin-Kuki groups

The Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has issued a warning to the Government of India. 

They have urged the government not to rush into extending the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist groups. 

COCOMI emphasises that thorough scrutiny and reassessment should be conducted before any decisions are made.

In a letter to PM Modi, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) emphasised the need for urgent caution regarding the extension of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) in Manipur.

"As the expiry date of the SoO pact with Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist groups approaches on February 28, 2024, we are compelled to express our deep concerns. Despite numerous extensions since 2008 under the guise of political dialogue, progress in the peace process remains elusive. Furthermore, there have been repeated and flagrant violations of the agreement's ground rules, exacerbating the already volatile situation in Manipur. Recent escalations of violence in Manipur have provided stark evidence of the direct involvement of Kuki militant groups in targeted attacks against the Indian Army and state police personnel. This reality underscores the urgent need for caution and reevaluation of any decisions regarding the extension of the SoO agreement," the letter stated.

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Further, the COCOMI urged the Government of India to exercise extreme caution and refrain from hastily extending the SoO agreement with Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist groups without thorough scrutiny and reassessment.

The joint body of Meitei civil society organisations also asked the Centre to take immediate and decisive action to address SoO ground rule violations and illegal activities perpetrated by these groups and prioritize the safety and security of the indigenous people of Manipur above all other considerations in any decision-making process.

The COCOMI also claimed that the continued engagement with and legitimization of armed Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist groups by the Government of India not only violates the fundamental rights of indigenous Meetei citizens but also risks legitimizing their presence in Manipur.

"The decision by the Manipur government to withdraw from the SoO agreement and declare Chin-Kuki armed groups as terrorists on March 10, 2023, underscores the gravity of the situation and warrants careful consideration," stated the letter.