Imphal: In a significant political development amid ongoing tensions in Manipur, the Meitei Alliance has formally submitted a memorandum to His Excellency Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the Governor of Manipur, appealing for a non-renewal of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements with militant groups under the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF).

The memorandum, dated July 28, highlights what the Alliance describes as “systemic failures and constitutional breaches” associated with the continuance of the SoO framework. The Alliance argues that rather than aiding peace-building, the agreements have led to parallel power structures, lawlessness, and a breakdown of public trust in governance mechanisms.

NDTV Report Cited as Fresh Evidence

The memorandum draws particular attention to an NDTV investigative report published on July 23, 2025, titled “Exclusive: Blank Papers, Multiple Credits – Manipur’s Multi-Crore Highway Compensation Mystery.” The report alleged large-scale financial irregularities in the disbursement of compensation funds for highway expansion projects, linking the fraud to individuals reportedly affiliated with SoO-protected armed groups.

According to the Meitei Alliance, the investigation underscores how SoO-signatory groups have extended their reach into public institutions, manipulating resource distribution and undermining governance and transparency.

Key Grounds for Opposition

The Meitei Alliance outlines several core reasons for opposing the renewal of the SoO agreements:

Repeated Violations: Armed groups have allegedly continued activities such as violence, extortion, and intimidation in clear violation of SoO ground rules. The memorandum references a joint complaint (Ref: IPFM/MA/TIM/SOO/2025/07/3MM) submitted earlier to the Union Home Minister by multiple civil society groups.

Constitutional Overreach: The Alliance asserts that law and order is a state subject, and the continuation of the SoO without the consent of the elected state government undermines the spirit of federalism.

Breakdown of Trust: With widespread violence since May 2023 and reports of financial frauds, the public’s confidence in SoO signatories and the state apparatus has reportedly eroded.

Ethnic Militarisation: The memorandum warns that the current SoO framework has deepened ethnic polarisation and obstructed efforts toward restoring communal harmony.

Call to Uphold Constitutional Integrity

Invoking the Governor’s constitutional duty under President’s Rule, the Meitei Alliance has appealed for:

A halt to any further extension or renewal of the SoO agreements in their current form;

Strict legal action against groups violating the terms of the agreements;

Restoration of democratic governance and state control over law and order.

The memorandum concludes with a pointed observation: “The future of Manipur depends on a governance framework that upholds peace, accountability, and constitutional integrity — not one that rewards armed impunity.”

With President’s Rule still in effect in the state, all eyes are now on Raj Bhavan, as the Governor’s decision may shape the next phase of Manipur’s troubled journey toward peace and reconciliation.

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