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Date: 5 September 2025
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) strongly condemns and opposes the Government of India’s decision to extend the Suspension of Operation (SoO) Agreement with the Chin-Kuki armed narco-terrorist groups, as announced on 4 September 2025 in New Delhi.
COCOMI reaffirms its stand that this extension, despite a series of terrorist and criminal acts committed by these groups, is completely against the interests of the indigenous people of Manipur.
The popularly elected Government of Manipur had, through a Cabinet decision on 10 March 2023, unanimously resolved to abrogate the SoO agreement. Under the current President’s Rule, the administration is being run by an authority appointed from New Delhi, which lacks the legitimacy to represent the people of Manipur. The decision to extend the SoO under such circumstances is illegitimate and reflects an undemocratic and hegemonic imposition upon the indigenous people and their elected representatives.
By granting legitimacy and recognition to armed Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist groups through the SoO pact, the Government of India has raised serious doubts about its role and responsibility in combating narco-terrorism in the region. Since the introduction of the SoO in 2005 and 2008, such agreements have only shielded armed groups while undermining the democratic will of the people. The international community too will question India’s credibility when it is seen as providing impunity to such groups.
The Government of India has also disregarded the unanimous resolution of the Manipur Legislative Assembly on 29 February 2024, which urged the revocation of the SoO. Instead, the President’s Rule administration has been made a party to the tripartite talks without any mandate from the people. This is a complete compromise of democratic principles.
The Constitution of India guarantees free movement to every citizen across the country as a fundamental right. By turning this into a bargaining chip with armed groups, the Government has undermined its own constitutional obligations and, in effect, held the Meetei population hostage under narco-terrorist influence. This is unacceptable to the people of Manipur.
Looking at all these aspects, COCOMI strongly rejects the extension of the SoO Agreement. This decision legitimizes narco-terrorist operations, grants impunity under a deceptive pact, and undermines the rights, security, and future of the indigenous people of Manipur and the Northeast.
Issued by:
(Laikhuram Jayenta)
Convenor, IPR Sub-Committee
COCOMI