Kuki groups seek clarity over raid on SoO designated camp in Manipur

The Kuki Inpi and civil society organisations of Saikul in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district have sought an explanation from the government over the reported raid on a Suspension of Operations (SoO) designated camp at Gamphum under Saikul police station.

In a statement, the Kuki Inpi and CSOs alleged that a joint team comprising CRPF Cobra, Rapid Action Force, Manipur Police and Mahila personnel raided the designated camp in the early hours of September 8 and resorted to “excessive brutalities” during the operation.

The groups claimed that several cadres were apprehended and a large quantity of arms and ammunition was recovered during the raid.

They questioned the government’s intention behind conducting an operation at an SoO-designated camp, saying the pact was signed in 2008 as part of an effort to bring lasting peace and a solution to the conflict in the region. The group said the camp had remained functional since the signing of the agreement without any issues being raised by the government.

The Kuki groups also questioned whether the raid was linked to alleged violations of the SoO ground rules and, if so, whether such violations had been discussed at the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) meetings.

They further alleged that the operation was carried out under pressure from certain communities seeking the abrogation of the SoO agreement. The organisations rejected what they described as claims that SoO cadres were involved in the violence in Manipur, saying such allegations were unjustified.

The groups questioned whether the government was coming under pressure from the majority community and urged authorities to apply the law equally to all communities.

“We expect fair application of laws upon all communities equally,” the organisations said, adding that the government should function according to established rules and laws rather than “mob justice and majoritarian pressure”.

They sought a “justifiable clarification” from the government over the raid, which they described as a violation of the SoO ground rules.