By Rabindra Nath Sinha
KOLKATA: Even as the Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) proceeds to recast and limit the scope of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) deal with Manipur’s Kuki-Zo insurgent groups, dissenting views from within the Bharatiya Janata Party have come to the fore. This development has to be seen against the reality that BJP was leading the NDA ministry in Manipur before it was brought under President’s rule.
This also raises the question as to whether MHA will take into account the dissenting note and alter its SoO strategy. SoO, a tripartite deal involving the Kuki-Zo insurgent groups, the Manipur government and MHA, lost all relevance on February 29, 2024, the date fixed by MHA for its renewal, as the Meitei-dominated state ministry headed then by N Biren Singh, himself a tall Meitei leader, refused to be a party to the renewal exercise.
The tripartite accord was first signed on August 22, 2008 and extended from time to time. The extension schedule got disrupted after the outbreak of state-wide ethnic violence on May 3, 2023 on the issue of ST status for the majoritarian Valley-based Meiteis. After a gap of almost two years MHA began a fresh SoO activation exercise on June 9, followed it up with a second meeting on June 16 and scheduled the next dialogue after 15 days. In all likelihood, talks are to be held in early July. MHA has assigned the responsibility its advisor (North-East) A K Mishra, who is assisted by IB officials.
Now, in a letter dated June 14 addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah, Manipur BJP’s spokesperson T Michael Lamjathang Haokip, has demanded outright abrogation of the SoO arrangement. The letter lists several reasons in support of the demand. Thus, it has turned out to be a recast-versus-abrogation issue. When asked by IPA whether other BJP leaders too harbour misgivings about SoO, Haokip replied in the affirmative. Prefacing that the wounds of the prolonged ethnic conflict between the Meiteis and the Kuki-Zos are yet to heal, Haokip has contended that the [impending] review of the SoO agreement with the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF) “has become a matter of grave public concern”. The possibility of extension is being widely perceived, particularly in the Imphal Valley, as appeasement to the armed groups involved in the violence and “a potential threat to the territorial integrity and constitutional identity of Manipur”.
Haokip’s letter has observed: The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, public order falls under the State List. On February 29, 2024 the current 12th Manipur Legislatively Assembly, where BJP has the majority, unanimously resolved against any extension of the SoO agreement with UPF / KNO by the Centre. Ignoring this decision would be tantamount to violating the Constitution and undermining the democratic mandate of Manipur’s people. “I urge the Government of India to honour this resolution and uphold the federal principles of our democracy”. He has stressed in the letter that he is a committed karyakarta of BJP, a nationalist Indian, a peace-loving Thadou community leader and also someone who has personally ensured loss during the current crisis.
In the two rounds of talks held on June 9 and 16 with the representatives of the Kuki-Zo groups, the MHA team emphasized that the ultra cadres under the purview of SoO must abide by the ground rules and proposed reduction in the number of camps for them by seven from the existing 14 and this is to be achieved by closing down seven camps which are located near the Meitei-inhabited areas in the foothills. The MHA officials also stressed the urgency of fully normal functioning of NH 2 and 37 which link land-locked Meitei Valley to Nagaland and Assam respectively. These highways, which pass through Kuki-Zo dominated areas, are critical for uninterrupted supply of essential commodities and movement of security personnel. [Nearly 2,200 cadres of UPF and KNO, which between them act as umbrella outfits for some 25 ultra groups, live in the 14 camps. The cadres are entitled to a stipend of Rs 6,000 per head per month. The stipend payment arrangement came to a halt after violence broke out on May 3, 2023.
In the implementation of the SoO mechanism, the defence ministry is also involved along with MHA. The Manipur BJP spokesperson and karyakarta has observed in his letter to the Prime Minster and the home minister: It is evident that New Delhi is unable to enforce the agreed ground rules. Mere reduction in the number of designated camps is not a solution. New Delhi simply has not been able to control the SoO militant groups over the years. Any decision on the SoO matter should be made only after a popular ministry is in place and after extensive consultations with all stakeholders.
Asked whether Manipur’s BJP workers are not aggrieved over Prime Minister not visiting the state since the eruption of massive ethnic violence, Haokip told IPA: See the two warring sides must first change their stance and opt for reconciliation. Narendra Modi may not have visited the state but he is keeping himself abreast and keeping a close watch on the actions being taken by MHA and security agencies. He seemed to suggest a visit by the Prime Minister would be desirable and useful when peace returns and people feel confident. He remained non-committal when asked about the chances of a ministry being in place before the expiry of six months of President’s rule on August 12. (IPA Service)
