Imphal, Aug 18: Manipur BJP MLA, RK Imo Singh, has called on the Central government to refrain from engaging in talks with SoO insurgent groups, citing violations of ground rules by these groups in recent months. The plea comes against the backdrop of rising concerns over the ongoing violence in the region.
Expressing his concerns, MLA RK Imo Singh stated that news of talks between the Centre and SoO insurgent groups has reached him through various media outlets. He urged the Central government to avoid any discussions with these groups due to their history of violating established ground rules.
Singh emphasized that engaging in talks with insurgent groups that have not adhered to ground rules and have been involved in recent violence would not be in the best interest of the people of Manipur. He underlined that such negotiations could potentially disrupt the fragile peace in the state.
The BJP MLA also expressed openness to discussions with other entities, including civil societies, to ensure a peaceful environment in Manipur. He highlighted that peaceful dialogues with the right stakeholders could contribute to stability and harmony within the state.
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Regarding the progress of talks between the Centre and the SoO groups, Singh noted that the details of the discussions were not clear to him. He pointed out that if these talks were to proceed, the state government, being a major stakeholder, should be consulted.
Meanwhile, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) strongly criticized the Government of India’s engagement in talks with the umbrella organization of immigrant Chin Kuki Narco Terrorists, known as KNO and UPF. COCOMI deemed this dialogue illegal and urged the Union Government to refrain from conversing with such individuals.
COCOMI raised concerns about the potential implications of discussions with individuals primarily identified as Myanmar citizens and their participation in India’s security and geopolitical strategies. The organization argued that the government’s approach to these immigrants should not be at the expense of the trust of the indigenous citizens of Manipur.
COCOMI’s critique stems from the belief that the actions of the Government of India are not only misguided but also detrimental to the people of Manipur. The organization questioned the wisdom of involving illegal immigrants associated with Chin Kuki Narco Terrorists in the country’s security discussions, particularly when it could jeopardize the interests of the native population.
The plea of Manipur’s BJP MLA, RK Imo Singh, to avoid talks with SoO insurgent groups underscores the complexity of the situation in the region. The concerns raised by COCOMI add to the broader debate on the role of external actors and immigrant groups in Manipur’s security dynamics. The region’s stability remains a central consideration as discussions and negotiations continue to shape the future of Manipur’s security landscape.
