Imphal | Manipur Lok Sabha MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has expressed disappointment over what he described as a delay in the Union Home Ministry’s response to issues he raised in Parliament concerning the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki armed groups.

Akoijam said he raised the matter under Rule 377 of the Lok Sabha on August 11, seeking clarity on the agreement and its implementation. Parliamentary records confirm that he raised the issue on that date, calling for a review of the SoO agreement and measures to ensure the free movement of goods and people in Manipur.

Addressing a press conference at his residence, Akoijam said more than a month had passed without a response from the Union Home Ministry.

The MP said his concerns included allegations of extortion along highways, the lack of public disclosure of the SoO agreement’s terms and the need for compliance reports on the ground rules governing the arrangement. He also referred to allegations linking SoO groups to killings and other unlawful activities.

Akoijam said he had questioned whether groups covered by the SoO framework were involved in such activities and argued that the agreement should be reviewed, including the possibility of ending it where violations are established.

The SoO arrangement has remained a contentious issue in Manipur, with Akoijam previously urging the Centre to make the agreement and its compliance status public and take action where violations are established.

MP questions NRC preparedness

Akoijam also questioned the Manipur government’s preparedness to undertake the proposed updation and implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state. He referred to the Manipur State Population Commission, constituted in March 2023, and claimed that it lacked a chairperson, adequate in-house experts and proper documentation. He also claimed that only two consultative meetings had been held so far.

Akoijam said these issues raised questions about the state government’s preparedness for the NRC exercise. The MP has previously called for credible citizenship verification mechanisms before census and delimitation exercises in Manipur, citing the continuing displacement and security situation in the state.

Raises concern over continuing violence

Akoijam also expressed concern over the continuing law-and-order situation, saying violence had persisted despite the deployment of central security forces.

Referring to recent incidents in which civilians were killed, he criticised the Centre’s handling of the Manipur crisis and alleged that the situation had not received adequate attention from central leadership. Akoijam urged the Union Home Ministry to respond to the issues he raised in Parliament and called for greater attention to the continuing security situation in Manipur.