IMPHAL, July 9: The Meitei Heritage Society has expressed strong opposition to reported moves by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to sign a renewed Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Chin-Kuki militant groups, calling it a betrayal of public sentiment, the Manipur Government’s past decisions, and ongoing security concerns.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Society said it is “deeply disturbed” by media reports suggesting that the agreement may be revived, even as investigations continue into the alleged role of these groups in the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state — including the killing of security personnel.

The group specifically flagged concerns over the reported pre-condition for the Chin-Kuki militants to close two designated camps belonging to the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) under the United People’s Front (UPF). “This is nothing but an eyewash,” the Society said, adding that the three ZRA camps — Muvanlai, Mt. Sinai, and Phaiba — are already located in remote areas, and closing two out of three would make little to no impact on law and order.

Citing the original terms of the SoO agreement, which calls for strict action — including use of force — against any violating groups, the Society warned that reviving the agreement despite repeated violations would amount to “legitimizing illegal activities” and misusing public funds.

It also recalled that the last elected Manipur government had abrogated the SoO with Kuki National Army (KNA) and ZRA in March 2023, and had passed a Cabinet resolution in January 2024 not to renew any further SoO agreements. The agreement officially lapsed on February 28, 2024, and has not been renewed since, the Society pointed out.

The Meitei Heritage Society stated that entering into a new SoO deal under the current President’s Rule would bypass the democratic decision of the last popular government and disregard the voice of citizens across communities who have been demanding an end to over two years of violence.

The Society urged the Government of India to respect the will of the people, the Cabinet resolution of the elected government, and the repeated violations by the Chin-Kuki militant groups — and to refrain from signing any new SoO agreement.

“This move risks further alienating the public and undermining efforts to bring lasting peace and accountability in Manipur,” the Society cautioned.