The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has strongly condemned the Government of India’s decision to extend the Suspension of Operation (SoO) Agreement with Chin-Kuki armed narco-terrorist groups, announced on September 4 in New Delhi. Describing the extension as “anti-people”, COCOMI argued that the move contradicts the interests of the indigenous population of Manipur. The committee pointed out that the popularly elected Government of Manipur had unanimously decided on March 10, 2023, to abrogate the SoO agreement. “Under the current President’s Rule, the administration lacks legitimacy to represent the people of Manipur. Extending the SoO under such circumstances is undemocratic and hegemonic,” the statement read.
COCOMI criticised the SoO for granting undue recognition and impunity to armed groups engaged in terrorist and criminal activities, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to combatting narco-terrorism. The committee also highlighted that the extension undermines the Manipur Legislative Assembly’s unanimous resolution on February 29, 2024, which called for the revocation of the agreement. The statement emphasized that using citizens’ freedom of movement as a bargaining tool violates constitutional rights and leaves the Meitei population particularly vulnerable. “This decision legitimizes narco-terrorist operations while jeopardizing the rights, security, and future of the indigenous people of Manipur and the Northeast region,” COCOMI said.
Reiterating its firm opposition, the committee urged the Government of India to reconsider the extension immediately, warning that continued enforcement of the pact could deepen unrest and insecurity in the state.
