The Delhi Meitei Coordinating Committee (DMCC) has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to impose a ban on all Kuki militant groups in Manipur, citing rising ethnic violence in the region.
In a memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister, the group criticised the government’s ongoing ‘Suspension of Operations’ (SoO) pact, alleging it emboldens Kuki militants and exacerbates tensions in the conflict-torn state.
The SoO agreement, first signed in 2008 between the Central government, the Manipur government, and two major Kuki militant groups – the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF) – has been periodically extended. The DMCC, however, claims the policy amounts to appeasement and undermines the Meitei community’s security and cultural heritage.
In its appeal, the DMCC stated, “The Government of India must stop Kuki appeasement policy under the name of Suspension of Operation (SoO) and stop patronising and supporting Kuki militants and its sectarian politics.”
The group also highlighted the recent killings in Jiribam district, where three women and three children were reportedly murdered, calling for justice and punishment of those responsible.
Ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities has claimed over 250 lives since May last year, with tensions remaining high.
The DMCC stressed the need for the Central government to protect Manipur’s territorial and cultural integrity and safeguard Meiteis from what they termed “Kuki military aggression with foreign elements.”
Additionally, the DMCC has called for the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Manipur, urging the government to address long-standing grievances in the region.
The appeal comes as ethnic strife continues to roil Manipur, with both communities seeking central intervention to address their respective concerns.
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