Manipur women’s group questions President’s Rule, SoO extension

Women’s organisation Imagi Meira has questioned whether the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur is aimed at extending the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreements signed between Kuki armed groups and the government.

A sit-in protest was held today at Sekmai Bazaar in Imphal West, organised by Imagi Meira in association with the People’s Progressive Alliance, demanding free movement along national highways.

Addressing the media, Imagi Meira convenor Thokchom Sujata said that an agreement to extend the SoO with Kuki armed groups was signed yesterday between the Central and State Governments, aiming to reopen national highways and ensure free movement. “Unfortunately, one particular Kuki group retracted this resolution through a press statement, demanding that buffer zones between Meitei and Kuki-Zo areas be strictly maintained. Such demands after the agreement are unfortunate and condemnable,” she added.

Also Read: Manipur CS: Agreements under Suspension of Operation will be honoured

Sujata emphasised that the Meitei community has neither barred nor announced restrictions on the movement of any particular community in Imphal. She also claimed that the Manipur government had already decided in its cabinet not to extend SoO pacts with Kuki militant groups, with a bill passed in the Legislative Assembly in 2024. “However, it is being extended seven months after the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, which is very unfortunate,” she said.

Questioning the motives behind the current political setup, Sujata asked, “Is President’s Rule imposed only to extend the SoO pact in Manipur?” She also raised concerns over free movement along national highways, asking why only Meitei citizens appear restricted and whether there is an invisible hand of the Government of India enabling Kuki SoO armed groups to control the highways.