Manipur MP Bimol seeks public disclosure of the SoO pact, compliance details and action over alleged criminal activities and highway extortion.
Imphal, August 11: Manipur Lok Sabha MP Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has sought public disclosure of the current Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with Kuki armed groups, along with details of its implementation and compliance, amid allegations of criminal activities and extortion involving groups covered by the arrangement.
In a Notice Under Rule 377 submitted to the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha on August 7, Bimol said the SoO agreement had been repeatedly extended by the Government of India without publicly disclosing its terms and compliance reports.
He said the absence of such information had raised public concern over the agreement and the manner in which its conditions were being implemented.
Bimol cited an allegation made by Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho that the Kuki National Front-P (KNF-P), a group under the SoO arrangement, was involved in the abduction and killing of six Liangmei civilians.
He also referred to what he described as numerous reports of extortion along national highways allegedly involving armed groups under the SoO arrangement or groups engaged in talks with the Government of India.
According to the notice, such alleged extortion has taken place in the presence of Central security forces and in areas covered by the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).
Seeks SoO terms and compliance status in public domain
Bimol has urged the Union Home Minister to place the current SoO agreement in the public domain, including its terms and conditions and the compliance status of the groups covered under it.
He has also called for a review of the agreement and appropriate action against groups found guilty of illegal activities.
The proposed action, according to the notice, could include abrogation of the agreement if the groups are found guilty.
Bimol said such steps were necessary to curb illegal activities and ensure the free movement of people and goods on national highways, which he said should remain free from extortion.
Rule 377 notice requires ministry response
The notice was submitted under Rule 377 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, which provides a mechanism for members to raise matters of urgent public importance that do not fall within other parliamentary procedures.
Once a matter raised under Rule 377 is admitted and forwarded to the concerned ministry, the ministry is required to furnish a reply within 30 days. The response is then communicated to the member concerned.
Bimol's notice, bearing Diary No. 3688 and dated August 7, sought permission to raise the matter in the House on August 10.
The allegations concerning the KNF-P and highway extortion are contained in Bimol's notice and are not independently established by the document itself.
The proposed intervention comes amid continuing concerns in Manipur over the implementation and monitoring of the SoO arrangement and allegations of illegal activities by armed groups operating under or associated with the agreement.
