Manipur People's Party demands abrogation of SoO pact, disarmament of Kuki armed groups

The Manipur People's Party (MPP) on October 14 demanded the immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework and the complete disarmament of armed groups operating under it, accusing the Union government of pursuing a policy that, according to the party, has deepened ethnic divisions in Manipur.

Addressing a press conference at the Press Club of India in New Delhi, MPP spokesperson Dr Seram Rojesh called for an end to what he described as the BJP-led NDA government's “divide and rule” policy. He alleged that the accommodation of ethnic armed groups had failed to restore lasting peace and had contributed to continuing insecurity in the state.

The party also called for the rejection of any proposed Three-State or Three-Council arrangement that it believes could institutionalise ethnic separation and undermine Manipur's territorial integrity.

MPP condemns killing of Liangmai Naga villager

The party strongly condemned the reported killing and beheading of Liangmai Naga villager Ajinpon Ringkangmai on October 10, allegedly by the Myanmar-based Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B).

The MPP referred to reported attacks on Tangkhul Naga villages in Kamjong district in May 2026, raising concerns over the security of border communities and cross-border militant activity.

Questioning the Centre's response to such incidents, the party demanded an impartial investigation into Ringkangmai's killing and effective measures to protect communities along the India-Myanmar border.

The allegations concerning the perpetrators and the circumstances of the killing require verification by the investigating authorities.

Party alleges political use of armed groups

The MPP alleged that armed groups operating under the SoO framework had been used to influence electoral politics and secure political advantages. It said the alleged use of armed organisations to intimidate voters or influence electoral outcomes would undermine democratic processes.

The party demanded an end to any government policy that it believes enables one armed group to be used against another community or insurgent organisation. It cited the Salwa Judum episode in Chhattisgarh as a warning against state-supported armed mobilisation.

These allegations were part of the party's statement; the release did not provide independent evidence establishing the alleged electoral manipulation.

Opposes proposals for ethnic separation

The MPP also opposed proposals it described as the Three-State Theory and Three-Council Theory, arguing that such arrangements could formalise ethnic divisions instead of restoring coexistence.

The party called on the Union government to restore safe and free movement across Manipur, alleging that restrictions around buffer and sensitive zones continued to prevent people from accessing public institutions, healthcare, education and other essential services across community lines.

It said lasting peace would require equal access to public services, freedom of movement and a political settlement that protects the state's territorial integrity.

Demands rehabilitation of displaced people

The party called for the immediate, safe and dignified rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their original homes and places of residence.

According to the MPP's press release, more than 300 people have been killed since the violence began on May 3, 2023, and over 40,000 people remain displaced. These figures were cited by the party and were not independently verified in the release.

The MPP argued that rehabilitation could not be limited to relief camps and financial assistance while families remained unable to return to their homes. It said the disarmament of armed groups and stronger security arrangements were necessary to rebuild public confidence.

The party also sought transparency regarding relevant judicial and investigative reports, including a report it said had not been made public.

MPP's key demands

Among its principal demands, the party called for:

> Immediate abrogation of the SoO framework and complete, lawful and verifiable disarmament of armed groups operating under it.

> An impartial investigation into Ringkangmai's killing and attacks on civilians in border areas.

> Effective protection of the India-Myanmar border against cross-border militant activity.

> An end to restrictions that prevent citizens from moving freely and accessing public institutions.

> Rejection of arrangements that could institutionalise ethnic division or undermine Manipur's territorial integrity.

> Accountability for killings, abductions, sexual violence, arson and attacks on religious places.

> Immediate rehabilitation of all displaced families to their original homes.

The MPP urged the Union government to take responsibility for restoring security, ensuring accountability and creating conditions for the safe return of displaced people. It said lasting peace would require disarmament, equal rights, freedom of movement and peaceful coexistence among Manipur's communities.