Manipur MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has questioned the recent signing of a new Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki armed groups, asserting that it should not be termed an “extension.” In a post on X, the MP pointed out that the earlier agreement had expired on February 29, 2024, making the current arrangement a fresh pact.

Raising concerns over its implications, Akoijam asked whether the new agreement implied that allegations of involvement of these groups in the ongoing violence, as well as accusations of violating ground rules, were false. He further questioned if the BJP-led Government of India (GoI) and Government of Manipur (GoM) had given the groups a “clean chit,” or if the deal was a cover-up or even encouragement of alleged illegal acts to serve political and strategic interests.

While stressing that any step toward peace and dialogue was welcome, the MP emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the government’s approach.

He also took a dig at critics who had previously blamed the Congress party for the SoO arrangement, remarking that their current silence was “palpable.” He urged political leaders and citizens alike to rise above party politics and “ask the right kind of questions with courage and conviction,” insisting that the people deserve answers on the purpose and implications of the new agreement.