A series of sit-in protests in Thoubal and Kakching districts along with torch rallies in the districts, including the Imphal valley, on Wednesday have called for abrogation of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) between Kuki militants, Manipur and Indian government while also calling for withdrawal of the Assam Rifles from the state.
Earlier on Sunday, the People’s Alliance for Peace and Progress, Manipur (PAPPM) had appealed for a three-day sit-in-protest at respective localities with slogans “Withdraw SoO with Kuki militants”, “Remove double standard Assam Rifles”.
Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with Kuki militants is to expire on February 29 as the agreement has been updating annually since the signing of the agreement.
PAPPM further appealed to the people to organise torch rallies on Wednesday evening at their respective localities and areas.
The tripartite SoO agreement between the government and Kuki militants was signed in 2006, however Manipur government withdrew the agreement with Kuki National Army (KNA) and Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) in March last year alleging that the militant groups are instigating the people against the government drive to evict illegal encroachers from forest land.
Various organisations have also been demanding to withdraw SoO agreement with Kuki militants in order to bring peace in Manipur.
Majority of the Manipur legislators signed a unanimous resolution during the Kangla oath which was summoned by Arambai Tengol in January, the resolution of which included withdrawal of Assam rifles from Manipur and withdrawal of SoO agreement with Kuki militants.
Our Correspondent added that people of Thoubal and Kakching districts also staged sit-in protests in various parts of the districts on Wednesday against any extension of Suspension of Operation (SoO) with Kuki militants and government of India.
Meetei Community joint coordination committee and its women wing staged a sit-in protest at Babu Keithel while people of Khanagbok and Leishangthem also staged protests.
People of Kakching carried out a protest rally and submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India and Chief Minister of Manipur through Kakching DC demanding not to extend SoO with Kuki militants. Elections should not be held in the state if the ongoing violence is not solved and Kakching land records should be kept at the Kakching DC office, they demanded.
Steering committee of civil society organisations, Kakching District organised a sit-in protest at Kakching Kerithel Naohallai Laibung Mamang, Kakching District. Large number of protesters carried out a rally after the sit-in protest and submitted the memorandum.
United Youths Progressive Organization, Kakching Chumnang (UNYPO) also staged a sit in protest demanding the same at Kakching Lamkhai.
