IMPHAL: Manipur government decided to terminate its ceasefire pact with militant groups Kuki National Army (KNA extension) and Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA), claiming that their leaders were not from the state. The decision followed a recent allegation that the leadership of these two Kuki rebel groups is from Myanmar.
KNA and ZRA militants were reportedly inciting poppy growers in the state against the government, following a crackdown on illegal cultivation of the opium-producing plant in protected forest clearings, particularly along the border with Myanmar.
The government’s action sparked protests on Friday in three districts allegedly backed by the KNA and ZRA – which are among the state’s 25 Kuki-Chin-Mizo militant groups that had signed the tripartite “Suspend of Operations” agreement with the Center and the state.
The decision to withdraw from the ceasefire was taken on Friday after large numbers of Kuki tribals staged demonstrations against “the oppressive, illegal and arbitrary policies of the state”. They had come together under the umbrella of Kuki Inpi Manipur, a union of Kuki student and civil associations.
Chaired by CM N Biren Singh, the cabinet noted that the demonstrations were “unconstitutional”. He said the state “will not compromise on measures taken to protect the state’s forest resources and to eradicate poppy cultivation.” Signed in 2008, the pact has been periodically extended and currently the cadres of the groups are in camps set up by the government in the areas inhabited by the Kuki.
KNA and ZRA militants were reportedly inciting poppy growers in the state against the government, following a crackdown on illegal cultivation of the opium-producing plant in protected forest clearings, particularly along the border with Myanmar.
The government’s action sparked protests on Friday in three districts allegedly backed by the KNA and ZRA – which are among the state’s 25 Kuki-Chin-Mizo militant groups that had signed the tripartite “Suspend of Operations” agreement with the Center and the state.
The decision to withdraw from the ceasefire was taken on Friday after large numbers of Kuki tribals staged demonstrations against “the oppressive, illegal and arbitrary policies of the state”. They had come together under the umbrella of Kuki Inpi Manipur, a union of Kuki student and civil associations.
Chaired by CM N Biren Singh, the cabinet noted that the demonstrations were “unconstitutional”. He said the state “will not compromise on measures taken to protect the state’s forest resources and to eradicate poppy cultivation.” Signed in 2008, the pact has been periodically extended and currently the cadres of the groups are in camps set up by the government in the areas inhabited by the Kuki.
