Protests in Manipur to demand scrapping of tripartite ceasefire pact with Kuki-Chin militant outfits

Protests were staged in Meitei community-dominated districts in Manipur demanding scrapping of SoO pact with Kuki-Chin militant groups. The protest came ahead of the Assembly session starting soon, where the validity of the ceasefire deal is set to expire on February 29. Various civil bodies and women vigilante groups participated in the protests, accusing armed groups of breaching ceasefire rules and colluding in narco-terrorism.

A total of 25 militant groups from Kuki-Chin-dominated districts signed the SoO pact in 2008 with the Centre and state government. However, recent attacks targeting the Meitei community and alleged collaboration with foreign militants have sparked outrage among the protesters. The demand to remove Assam Rifles from the state has also been raised, with accusations of siding with Kuki militants during the conflict that began in May last year.

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has submitted a representation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the annulment of the SoO pact with the Kuki militants. Amidst growing pressure, MLAs are expected to discuss and possibly make a decision on annulling the pact during the upcoming Assembly session. Opposition Congress has emphasized the need for a dedicated discussion day to address the current situation in the state.

State Congress President Keisham Meghachandra Singh highlighted the importance of allowing discussions on the ongoing conflict, drawing parallels to special parliament sessions held during previous wars. He mentioned that party MLAs would utilize various procedures in the Assembly to address the issue and push for resolution. The situation remains tense as the deadline for the ceasefire deal looms, with stakeholders seeking a definitive decision from the government to address the conflict in Manipur.