Arambai Tenggol hails renegotiated SoO pact with Kuki militant groups

Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei activist organization, on Saturday welcomed the tripartite suspension of operations (SoO) agreement signed among government of India, government of Manipur and Kuki militant groups amid oppositions from various quarters.
Kuki militants under the two umbrella groups – Kuki National Organization (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF) signed a tripartite suspension of operations (SoO) agreement with the Centre and Manipur government on re-negotiated terms and conditions (ground rules) to be effective from the day of signing of the agreement for a period of one year on September 4.
Arambai Tenggol welcomed the signing of the SoO pact while describing it as an initiative which was crucial for achieving peace while extending its unwavering support to any government initiative aimed at restoring order and tranquility in the state.
The Meitei activist organization, in a statement issued by its headquarters control room operator Laishram Robason stated that the organization will extend its unwavering support for all initiatives aimed at achieving stability and lasting tranquility in the state.
“The re-negotiated suspension of operations (SoO) agreement is an important step towards peace,” it said.
The organization, however, raised concern over the ongoing situation relating to the Kuki population, which it alleged comprised largely of illegal immigrants and refugees from Myanmar.
It pointed out that these illegal immigrants came from a cultural background that did not align with India’s legal framework, leading to conflicts with constitutional expectations.
It alleged that despite the Central government’s peace efforts, certain Kuki groups had openly defied initiatives, with their rejection of proposed measures seen as counterproductive to harmony and peace-building.
While calling for a more stringent approach, the Arambai Tenggol suggested that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) could serve as a mechanism to detect and deport illegal immigrants, thereby strengthening immigration control and safeguarding constitutional integrity.
The organization further pledged its continued cooperation with all government policies and programs aimed at strengthening the rule of law, ensuring national security, and promoting peaceful coexistence among all communities in Manipur.
Amid support by the Arambai Tenngol, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), the apex body of various CSOs described the pact as “anti people move” while alleging that the extension of the truce was nothing but disregarding an unanimous resolution passed the state Assembly to abrogate the SoO agreement in line with a decision adopted by the then N Biren Singh led BJP’s coalition government on March 10, 2023.
Also opposing the extension of the truce, the Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), an apex body of Thadou tribe, had expressed profound disappointment with the Centre’s decision.
The TIM lamented that the Central government has disregarded a 35-page memorandum submitted on August 31, 2025, detailing its concerns and calling for the abrogation of the agreement.
Joining the opposition chorus, Meetei/Meitei Tribe Union (MMTU) alleged that the extension of the SoO was nothing but Centre not respecting the Manipur government’s decision.
Addressing the media at Manipur Press Club, Imphal on Saturday, MMTU convener Haobijam Surjit Meetei, recalled that during the February 2024 Assembly session, a resolution was passed against extending the suspension of operation (SoO) with Kuki militant groups, but the Centre continued the agreement, ignoring the state’s decision.
“Such developments show how the authority of the state legislature is being undermined, despite Article 122 of the Constitution limiting judicial interference in legislative proceedings,” he said.
Likewise, many CSOs have raised their objections to the extension of the SoO agreement.