Manipur Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar, Home Commissioner T Ranjit Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) AK Joshi on Sunday left Imphal for New Delhi to discuss issues pertaining to the recent cabinet decision to withdraw from the tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) Agreement.
The state cabinet on Friday decided to withdraw the State Government from SoO agreements with three hill-based insurgent groups, namely the Kuki National Army (KNA), the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) and the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA).
Initially, the Cabinet in a statement stated that it resolved to suspend SoO for KNA and ZRA.
However, talking exclusively to Imphal Free Press, the chief minister informed that the state had also later decided to withdraw the agreement with KRA.
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The decision followed after the rallies held at Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal districts and a clash that took place with police in Kangpokpi district, the Manipur state cabinet reviewed the law and order situation in various districts.
The Cabinet noted that the rallies were organised for a cause which is unconstitutional and the rallies therefore were illegal, stated a release.
After a detailed deliberation, the Cabinet decided to withdraw the State Government from tripartite talks/SoO agreements with three hill-based insurgent groups, namely the Kuki National Army (KNA), the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) whose leaders hail from outside the state, it stated.
The Cabinet further reaffirmed that the state government will not compromise on steps taken to protect the State's forest resources and for eradicating poppy cultivation, it mentioned.
Show cause notices have been issued to DC and SPs of Churachandpur and Tengnoupal for allowing the rally in violation of prohibitory orders under CrPC 144, it further stated. Strong action will be taken on officers responsible for lapses in security, it added.
It may be mentioned that the Union Government, the Manipur state government and the mentioned hill-based insurgent groups had been holding tripartite talks after they signed the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements.
