New Delhi, July 9, 2025: The Meitei Heritage Society (MHS) has strongly criticised the Centre’s reported move to sign a new Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Chin-Kuki militant groups, calling it a betrayal of public trust and an endorsement of armed groups allegedly involved in the Manipur crisis.
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In a statement issued on Monday, the Society expressed alarm over reports that the SoO agreement may be signed after the closure of two designated camps of the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA), part of the United People's Front (UPF). However, the MHS dismissed this move as mere eyewash, claiming the two camps - reportedly located in remote areas like Muvanlai, Mt. Sinai, and Phaiba - have little to no impact on ground-level law and order.
“This symbolic gesture does not meaningfully address ongoing violence or public concerns,” the Society stated. It warned that closing two remote camps should not be mistaken for progress, particularly when the same militant groups continue to operate and violate past agreements.
The MHS criticised the idea of rewarding violators with renewed protection, camp relocation, or taxpayer-funded support, arguing that such measures could legitimise unlawful activities.
The organisation reminded the Centre that the previous Manipur government had abrogated the SoO agreement with KNA and ZRA in March 2023, following repeated violations. A resolution had also been passed not to extend SoO agreements in January 2024, and no renewal has occurred since then, effectively terminating the agreement.
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Signing a new agreement now, under President’s Rule, would bypass the will of the previous elected government and the public at large, MHS said.
The Society has urged the Government of India to reconsider any engagement with Chin-Kuki militant groups and respect the sentiments of those affected by two years of unrest and violence.
