The Indigenous People’s Forum Manipur (IPFM) has urged Manipur Governor A.K. Bhalla to clarify the present status of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with armed Kuki militant groups, alleging that outfits under the SoO are involved in poppy cultivation in several hill areas of the State.

Addressing media persons at the Manipur Press Club, Chief Advisor of IPFM, Ashang Kasar, said the SoO agreement was signed with the objective of maintaining peace in Manipur. However, he alleged that instead of ensuring peace, militants operating under the SoO have been terrorising people and engaging in large-scale poppy plantation by clearing forest land in different hill areas.

He stated that such activities have severely impacted the lives and livelihoods of indigenous people.

Ashang Kasar further pointed out that the SoO agreement is scheduled to expire in February 2025, yet the public remains unaware of the current locations and functioning of the SoO camps.

Terming the issue a matter of serious public concern, he demanded that the authorities immediately make the present status of the SoO agreement public. He also alleged that SoO camps are being set up in sensitive and vulnerable areas, which, according to him, should not be allowed under any circumstances.

Ashang Kasar added that a memorandum has been submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Manipur Governor A.K. Bhalla seeking clarification and appropriate action on the matter.