Manipur: COCOMI demands scrapping of SoO pact with KNA, KLA over alleged violations

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has demanded the immediate termination of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Kuki National Army (KNA) and Kuki Liberation Army (KLA), alleging serious violations of ceasefire conditions and growing security concerns in Manipur.

The demand follows a security operation at Shamushang Camp, where security forces reportedly arrested 18 individuals and recovered a substantial cache of sophisticated weapons. COCOMI claimed the operation exposed significant weaknesses in monitoring armed groups operating under the SoO framework.

According to the organisation, the designated camp was expected to accommodate 66 KNA cadres and 93 KLA cadres. However, only one individual was reportedly present during the operation, raising questions about compliance with established ground rules.

The operation followed the October 19 arrest of three suspects allegedly linked to an attack at Khongbal Sunurok Urok Hill, which left three civilians dead and three others injured.

COCOMI further alleged that armed groups associated with the agreement were involved in prolonged violence in the Khamenlok region over the past three-and-a-half years. The committee also accused them of operating with alleged government backing, although these accusations remain unverified.

The organisation urged the Joint Monitoring Group to cancel the ceasefire arrangement and demanded that the Manipur government declare the KNA and KLA unlawful organisations.

Additionally, COCOMI called for comprehensive inspections of all remaining designated SoO camps to verify cadre presence and enforce compliance.

The committee criticised the September extension of the agreement and questioned delays in reducing designated camps from 14 to seven and relocating them away from civilian settlements and critical infrastructure.

The developments have renewed debate over ceasefire monitoring, accountability and the effectiveness of existing security arrangements in restoring lasting peace and stability across Manipur.