Meitei and Naga groups hold rallies in Manipur demanding SoO pact scrapping
Protesters in Imphal, Chandel, and Senapati called for the termination of the Suspension of Operations agreement and the resignation of the Deputy Chief Minister.
An umbrella body of Meitei groups and various Naga organisations held rallies in Manipur on Saturday to demand the scrapping of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. According to the Deccan Chronicle, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) organised a march in Imphal West district from Tiddim Ground towards THAU ground.
The rally in Imphal was endorsed by the United Naga Council. Participants carried posters reading "save Manipur" and "abrogate SoO pact". COCOMI convenor Y Dhiren said the group seeks the resignation of the present government for failing to protect the lives and properties of indigenous people.
In the Naga-majority Senapati district, the Naga People's Organisation, Senapati District Students' Association, and Senapati District Women's Association held a rally. They demanded the abrogation of the SoO agreement and the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen.
A similar rally took place in Chandel district, where protesters also demanded the resignation of Deputy CM Kipgen and the termination of the SoO pact. Naga organisations have accused Kuki-Zo militant groups of involvement in violence.
The SoO agreement was signed in August 2008 by the Centre, the Manipur government, and Kuki-Zo militant groups. It was intended to suspend hostilities and keep armed cadres in designated camps. The agreement expired on September 4 without renewal.