29 civil society groups demand immediate scrapping of SoO pacts with Kuki militant outfits
Imphal: A group of 29 civil society organisations from Manipur, representing Meitei, Naga and other communities, has called for the immediate withdrawal of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements signed with the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF).
In a joint statement, the organisations said they had closely studied the history of violence and criminal activity linked to armed groups operating under the SoO framework, along with a detailed record of ground-rule violations compiled in a booklet released during a recent community discussion on the subject.
The groups acknowledged that ceasefire and suspension arrangements have, over the years, been used as tools to ease tensions, open dialogue and work toward peace between governments and armed groups. But they stressed that such agreements only hold value when they actually reduce violence, are followed strictly, protect ordinary citizens, and lead toward disarmament and the restoration of law and order.
According to the statement, the SoO arrangement between the Centre, the Manipur government, and the KNO-UPF combine — in place since 2008 — has failed to meet those basic standards. Instead of moving these armed groups toward disarmament and eventual dissolution, the organisations said the agreement has allowed them to hold onto and even build up their military and financial strength, at a heavy cost to the people of the state.
The statement further pointed out that halting operations against these groups has, in practice, created space for continued violence and crime — including arson attacks, assaults on security camps, killings of law enforcement personnel, destruction of property, murder, torture, extortion and intimidation. These acts, the groups said, have only deepened instability between communities.
They also noted that the continued existence of the SoO, despite such documented violations, has damaged public trust in the agreement altogether, raising serious doubts about what purpose it now serves.
The civil society groups argued that any government has a basic duty to protect its people and uphold the rule of law, and that no armed group should be allowed to act with impunity. They said an agreement cannot remain valid when its core conditions are repeatedly broken without consequence.
Based on this, the organisations passed three resolutions. First, they declared that the SoO with Kuki militant groups has failed in its original purpose of encouraging peaceful dialogue, pointing instead to strong evidence of militants using the agreement as cover for terror-related activities and violence. They said scrapping the SoO was now essential for restoring lasting peace in the state.
Second, they urged the government to formally abrogate the SoO agreements with the KNO and UPF, and to take all steps necessary to rebuild security, justice, accountability and peace for every community in Manipur.
Third, the groups demanded swift legal action against SoO cadres found involved in criminal activity, insisting they be prosecuted and punished under the law without delay.
