The call to scrap the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki insurgent groups is gaining traction amidst the ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur. A global alliance of the Meitei community, known as the Meitei Alliance, has been particularly vocal in urging the central government to terminate the ceasefire, alleging that Kuki armed groups are the primary instigators of violence and are using the SoO as a shield for illicit activities.
The SoO agreement, initially signed in 2008, was intended to bring Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People's Front (UPF) groups to the table for dialogue, with the goal of greater self-determination within Manipur. However, the Meitei Alliance argues that these groups have repeatedly violated the terms of the agreement, engaging in activities that threaten the region's security and demographic balance. These alleged violations include extortion, illegal recruitment, and cross-border linkages with foreign militants.
One of the key concerns raised by the Meitei Alliance is the alleged involvement of Kuki groups in encouraging large-scale illegal immigration from Myanmar. The alliance claims this influx is destabilizing the demographic and ecological balance of the region, exacerbating existing tensions between communities. They also accuse these groups of participating in narcotics trafficking and arms smuggling, further contributing to the breakdown of law and order.
The demand to end the SoO agreement is not new. Meitei organizations have consistently called for its abrogation, claiming that the Kuki insurgent groups exploit the agreement to further their agenda of creating a separate territory. This long-term political goal, they argue, undermines India's internal security and territorial integrity. The Meitei groups have accused the Kuki groups of using the SoO to systematically build up their strength to achieve prioritized goals achievable within the Constitution of India.
The call to end the SoO agreement also reflects a deep-seated distrust and animosity between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which has fueled the ongoing conflict. The Meiteis believe that the Kuki groups are responsible for much of the violence and that the SoO agreement provides them with impunity. They argue that ending the agreement and cracking down on these groups is essential for restoring peace and stability to the region.
The Kuki community, on the other hand, views the SoO agreement as a crucial safeguard for their security and rights. They claim to be at the receiving end of discrimination and violence from the majority Meitei community and see the SoO as a means of protecting themselves. They also argue that the government's recent actions, such as the drive against poppy cultivation and allegedly illegal settlements in protected forests, specifically target the Kuki people.
The situation in Manipur remains volatile and complex, with both communities holding firm to their demands. The Meitei Alliance's plea to scrap the SoO agreement reflects the heightened tensions and the urgent need for a comprehensive solution to address the root causes of the conflict. The central government faces the difficult task of balancing the concerns of both communities and finding a path towards lasting peace and reconciliation. Any decision regarding the SoO agreement will have significant implications for the region's stability and security, and it is crucial that all stakeholders are consulted and their concerns are taken into account.
