Zomi Chiefs' Association Raises Alarm Over Rumoured Conditional Extension of SoO Agreement

Zomi Chiefs' Association Raises Alarm Over Rumoured Conditional Extension of SoO Agreement

The Zomi Chiefs' Association (ZCA) has issued a press statement expressing serious concern over circulating rumours that the extension of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement between the Government of India and the Kuki-Zomi armed groups may be made conditional upon unrestricted movement across Manipur and the proposed reduction or relocation of existing SoO camps.

In a strongly worded statement from its General Headquarters, the ZCA categorically dismissed these reports as baseless and alleged that such narratives appear to have been strategically planted to favour a particular community. The Association reaffirmed that the SoO agreement was signed in good faith to promote peace and stability in a region long affected by ethnic unrest.

“For nearly two decades, the Zo people have placed their trust in the peace process and in the Union of India, demonstrating immense patience and restraint,” the statement read.

The ZCA pointed out that the current restrictions on movement in Manipur are not enforced by the Zo people, but are necessitated by the prevailing ethnic conflict and violence in the state. It warned against ignoring the deeply entrenched fault lines that now divide the Meitei and Zo communities.

Despite enduring what the Association described as “two years of state-sponsored ethnic violence and systematic persecution,” it reiterated the Zo people's commitment to peaceful dialogue. However, it also asserted that their pursuit of peace should not be mistaken for weakness. “We have never shied away from defending our land, our people, and our rightful place,” the statement declared.

The ZCA also expressed alarm over the alleged involvement of the Ministry of Home Affairs in propagating the rumoured conditions, stating that such developments could signal a dangerous shift toward a Meitei-centric agenda. “This would be a grave betrayal of the SoO’s principles and a violation of the Indian Constitution’s core values,” it said.

The Association cautioned that any attempt to make the SoO extension conditional, shut down or relocate camps, or enforce so-called "free movement" in contested areas without first restoring peace would be regarded as a serious breach of trust and a dereliction of the Union government's constitutional responsibilities.

It urged the Government of India to acknowledge the de facto separation of Meitei and Zo territories, describing it as an “undeniable fact born out of violence, displacement, and survival.” It called for the establishment of a separate Union Territory with legislature for the Zo people as the only viable and just solution within the framework of the Indian Constitution.

The statement concluded with a stern warning: “Should the Government of India ignore this truth and succumb to divisive demands, the Zo people will have no choice but to reassess our political future to safeguard our land, identity, and the rights of future generations.”

The Zomi Chiefs' Association called on the Centre to act with “vision, courage, and justice,” and to uphold the ideals enshrined in the Constitution to ensure that peace is preserved and political fairness maintained.

30.06.2025
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