Manipur MLA R.K. Imo Singh has urged Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to consider Operation Manipur, recover illegal arms and enforce or abrogate the SoO agreement.
Imphal, Oct. 23: Manipur MLA R.K. Imo Singh has urged Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to consider launching a proposed security initiative titled “Operation Manipur” to recover illegal arms, dismantle unlawful armed networks and strengthen security across the state.
In a letter dated October 22, the MLA representing the 11-Sagolband Assembly Constituency also called for strict enforcement of the ground rules governing the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with armed groups and urged the authorities to consider abrogating the agreement.
Addressing the Governor, R.K. Imo said the prolonged unrest in Manipur had caused loss of lives, displacement and widespread uncertainty. He referred to the recent killings of civilians in the Nongshum Hill area and other reported incidents of violence, arguing that stronger and sustained measures were needed to protect civilians and restore public confidence.
“Every citizen, irrespective of community, ethnicity or place of residence, deserves to live in safety and dignity under the protection of the law,” R.K. Imo stated in the letter.
R.K. Imo proposed that “Operation Manipur” be implemented as a comprehensive, time-bound security and stabilisation initiative involving the state government, Central Armed Forces, Manipur Police and other relevant security agencies.
The proposed initiative would focus on recovering illegal arms and ammunition, dismantling unlawful armed networks, strengthening security in vulnerable areas and ensuring action against those responsible for targeted killings and other serious crimes.
The MLA also acknowledged recent actions by security agencies, including reported arrests in connection with the Nongshum killings and the recovery of firearms, ammunition and explosives during joint operations.
He said these measures were important steps towards accountability but called for continued coordination, thorough investigations and appropriate legal proceedings against those found involved in violence or the unlawful possession and circulation of weapons.
A key part of R.K. Imo’s appeal concerned the implementation of the SoO ground rules.
He urged the competent authorities to take stringent action against armed groups or individuals found violating the terms of the agreement. He also called for thorough investigations into alleged violations and accountability under the law for those found responsible.
R.K. Imo further asked the government to consider abrogating the SoO agreement. Pending a decision on its continuation, he stressed the need for strict, consistent and verifiable enforcement of the existing ground rules.
The letter did not set out a specific operational plan or timeline for the proposed initiative, but called for clear priorities, coordination among agencies and sustained implementation.
R.K. Imo said restoring peace would require measures beyond responses to individual incidents of violence. He called for security efforts to be accompanied by the safe rehabilitation of displaced families, restoration of normal civic life and protection of essential infrastructure.
He maintained that no armed individual or group should be allowed to intimidate civilians or exercise authority outside the constitutional and legal framework.
The MLA also emphasised that any security operation must comply with constitutional principles, due process, accountability and human rights protections. He said action against unlawful armed activities should be impartial and directed at those responsible, without discrimination based on community, identity or affiliation.
In his letter, R.K. Imo sought the Governor’s intervention and guidance to the concerned authorities for early consideration of the proposed “Operation Manipur”.
He said a consistent and impartial approach to recovering illegal weapons, enforcing the SoO ground rules and protecting civilians would be necessary to rebuild public confidence and establish lasting peace in the state.
The appeal comes amid continuing security concerns in Manipur, with the MLA calling for coordinated action to prevent further violence and restore normalcy.
