SENAPATI, June 16: Manipur BJP spokesperson T. Michael Lamjathang Haokip has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Union Government to abrogate the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement signed with Kuki, Zomi, and Hmar insurgent groups. The appeal aligns with the Manipur Assembly’s unanimous resolution passed in February 2024, which had called for not extending the controversial peace agreement.

Haokip emphasized that extending the SoO agreement could destabilize the already volatile situation in Manipur, which has been under President’s Rule since February 2025 following the collapse of its elected government.

The SoO agreement, a tripartite accord between the Centre, the Manipur government, and over two dozen insurgent groups, last came up for extension on February 29, 2024. Under its provisions, militants are required to remain in designated camps, store their firearms in jointly monitored facilities, and refrain from recruiting new members or engaging in activities like highway extortion.

In his letter to the Prime Minister, Haokip invoked constitutional principles to argue against the continuation of the SoO arrangement. “As per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, public order falls under the State List. On 29 February 2024, the current 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, where the BJP holds the majority, unanimously resolved against any extension of the SoO agreement with UPF/KNO by the government of India,” he wrote.

“Ignoring this decision would not only violate the Constitution but also undermine the democratic mandate of the people of Manipur. I urge the government of India to honour this resolution and uphold the federal principles of our democracy,” Haokip added.

He further asserted that it would be a mistake to treat the armed groups covered under the SoO framework as “partners in peace.” According to him, “Continuing to patronise insurgent groups in the hills of Manipur risks creating man-made, human-triggered volcanoes that will inevitably erupt. It is time to treat such groups for what they are: militants, not partners in peace.”

Haokip suggested that if the SoO agreement must be extended, it should only be considered once a popular, elected government is reinstated in the state. He also called for broad-based consultations with all affected stakeholders — particularly emphasizing the inclusion of indigenous communities from both the hills and the valley, with a focus on leaders and community members of the Thadou tribe.

Criticizing the current enforcement of the agreement, Haokip alleged, “The government appears unable to enforce the agreed ground rules, and [so] any further extension serves no meaningful purpose.” He added that simply reducing the number of designated camps was insufficient, arguing, “Mere reduction of designated camps is not a solution; it only amounts to shifting responsibility without addressing the core problem.”

The SoO agreement includes insurgent groups under two main umbrella organizations — the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF) — both of which are signatories to the pact.

Notably, earlier this month, a member of the Kuki National Army (KNA), which is part of the SoO framework, was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for attacking a police post and killing two commandos in Manipur’s border town of Moreh in January 2024.