Published: 16th Mar, 2023
Context
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”.
Background:
- 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).
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Section 144:
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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.
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There are nearly 30 Kuki insurgent groups in Manipur, of which 25 are under tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) with the Government of India and the state. |
- 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:
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- 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:
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- 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.
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