Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement

 The State government of Manipur has decided to withdraw from the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with two hill-based tribal militant groups (Kuki and Zoumi), alleging they were “influencing agitation among forest encroachers”.

• The steps were taken in view of the violent incidents that happened in Kangpokpi district during a protest rally organised against Section 144. Many civilians and police personnel were injured in the ding dong running battles at several places.
• The protest rally was influenced by the two groups, Kuki National Army (KNA) and Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA).

What is the matter?

• The recent protests were against the expulsion of residents that some groups claim are “illegal immigrants from Myanmar, Nepal, and Bangladesh”. 
• The crisis has been fuelled by long-standing tensions between the ethnic Meitei or non-tribals in Imphal valley and Kuki tribal communities living in the hills, as well as growing numbers of refugees fleeing counterinsurgency operations conducted by the junta in Myanmar.
• Many of these refugees belong to the same ethnic group, the Kuki-Chin-Zomi-Mizo tribe that live in the hills of Manipur.
• The districts of Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Tamenglong, Chandel, Ukhrul and Senapati are notified as “hill districts” in Manipur. 
• The ethnic Kuki population in Manipur is about 30 per cent of the 28.5 lakh population, according to the 2011 Census.
• Leaders of the hills communities have alleged the eviction drive is targeting legitimate residents of the state.

What is the Suspension of Operations pact?

• The SoO pact was signed on August 22, 2008.
• Objective: For initiating political dialogue with the militant groups.
• Reason: The Kuki outfits who were initially demanding a separate Kuki state have come down to a ‘Kukiland territorial council’, which would have financial and administrative powers independent of the Manipur Assembly and government.

• Time-period: The duration of the Suspension of Operation agreement is one year, it is extendable according to the progress of its implementation.
• Implementation: To oversee the effective implementation of the SoO pact, a committee called the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG), with representatives from all the signatories, has been formed.
• Signatories of the agreement: 

• • The signatories of UPF and KNO shall abide by the Constitution of India, the laws of the land and the territorial integrity of Manipur. 
  • They are prohibited from committing all kinds of atrocities, extortion, among others.

• Provisions of the agreement:

• • The militant cadres are to be confined in designated camps identified by the Government. 
  • Arms are deposited in a safe room under a double-locking system. 
  • The groups are given arms only to guard their camps and protect their leaders.
  • As a rehabilitation package, the UG cadres living in the designated camps are given a monthly stipend of Rs.5000. 
  • Financial assistance is also being provided to maintain the designated camps.