The Manipur People’s Party (MPP) has urged the BJP-led NDA government to immediately abrogate the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki armed groups and ensure that laws are enforced equally across the state.
In a statement issued by MPP General Secretary (Media) Karamjit Arambam, the party also called for an end to what it described as the selective targeting of local village defence guards, known as Khunngakpas. The party said lasting peace in Manipur would require neutral and accountable state institutions rather than dependence on community-based armed formations.
The MPP, one of Manipur’s oldest regional political parties, recalled its political history dating back to its establishment in 1968. It said the party had led governments in the state in 1972, 1974 and during 1990-1992, and maintained that its present demands were aimed at restoring constitutional governance and the rule of law.
The party raised concerns over the implementation of the SoO framework, alleging that armed groups covered by the tripartite agreement have continued to be involved in violence, possessed illegal weapons outside designated camps and received protection from the state. The MPP said allowing one category of armed groups to operate under negotiated arrangements while taking strict action against Meetei village guards could create a perception of unequal treatment by the government.
According to the party, such a situation risks further strengthening ethnic mobilisation and making efforts towards a peaceful settlement more difficult.
The MPP also referred to the Supreme Court’s judgment in Nandini Sundar and Others v. State of Chhattisgarh, which dealt with the arming of tribal youth as part of the counter-insurgency strategy associated with Salwa Judum. The party said the judgment underlined the constitutional responsibility of the state to protect citizens through accountable security institutions rather than relying on ethnic or community-based armed groups.
The party submitted a four-point charter of demands to the government.
Its first demand is the complete abrogation of the SoO agreement, along with the disarmament, demobilisation and rehabilitation of all armed groups covered by the arrangement.
Second, the MPP called for an immediate halt to what it described as selective prosecution of Khunngakpas. It said law enforcement agencies must function without discrimination and apply the law equally to all sections.
The party’s third demand is a comprehensive and lawful rehabilitation programme for village volunteers. It proposed that Khunngakpas be given an opportunity for peaceful reintegration into society, while cases involving serious criminal offences should continue to be dealt with through due legal process.
The fourth demand seeks a democratic and constitutional alternative for peace if the present administration fails to address the issues raised by the party. The MPP said such an approach should be based on reconciliation, equal enforcement of the law and greater accountability within the federal system.
The party also cited its own political record from 1972, when an MPP government announced a general amnesty and released 55 political prisoners as part of an effort to promote peace. It said the example demonstrated that firm adherence to the law and reconciliation could be pursued together.
The MPP clarified that its demands were not directed against any particular ethnic community. Instead, it said its objective was to ensure equal constitutional protection for all citizens, promote demilitarisation and restore the rule of law throughout Manipur.
The party maintained that a durable solution to the conflict would depend on impartial governance and institutions capable of providing security without discrimination between communities.
