Imphal, September 5: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has strongly condemned the Government of India’s decision to extend the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with Chin-Kuki armed groups, calling the move a “deceptive pact” that undermines the democratic will of the people of Manipur.

COCOMI, in a statement, accused the Centre of ignoring the unanimous resolution of the Manipur Legislative Assembly passed on February 29, 2024, which had urged the Union government to revoke the SoO agreement.

“The decision to extend the SoO is illegitimate and reflects an undemocratic and hegemonic imposition upon the indigenous people and their elected representatives,” COCOMI stated. It further claimed that the extension was made while Manipur remains under President’s Rule, rendering local voices and democratic institutions ineffective.

The SoO agreement was first signed in 2008 between the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), United People’s Front (UPF), and the governments of India and Manipur. While the pact had not been extended since May 3, 2023, following the outbreak of ethnic violence in the state, it was officially renewed in New Delhi on September 4, 2025.

COCOMI alleged that the continuation of the SoO has provided “legitimacy and protection” to what it described as “armed Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist groups”, despite their alleged involvement in a series of “terrorist and criminal acts.”

The committee also raised concerns over the international credibility of India’s counter-narcotics stance, arguing that the Centre’s move sends the wrong message by granting impunity to armed groups accused of drug trafficking and violence. “The international community will now question India’s commitment to combating narco-terrorism,” it said.

COCOMI reiterated that the March 10, 2023 Cabinet decision of the Manipur government to abrogate the SoO agreement still stands, and any unilateral extension made during President’s Rule lacks moral and political legitimacy.

Calling for the immediate rollback of the agreement, COCOMI urged the Government of India to honour the resolutions passed by the elected representatives of Manipur and ensure that the rights, security, and future of indigenous communities are not sacrificed for short-term political compromises.