New Delhi, March 12: The Manipur government has pulled out of a ceasefire agreement with two Kuki rebel groups. These groups are accused of being behind the protests in three districts earlier this week.
The state cabinet has decided to withdraw the suspension of operation agreements with the Kuki National Army and the Zumi Revolutionary Army.
Protest rallies were held in three districts of the state, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tangnopa on Friday. Clashes also broke out between some protesters and the police in Kang Pokpi.
The protest took place against the designation of some areas as reserve forests and protected forests in Kang Pokpi district.
Chief Minister N Baran Singh alleged that Kuki National Army and Zumi Revolutionary Army had affected the rallies.
The protesters had demanded that the Manipur government “respect tribal land rights” and alleged that some areas had been declared reserve forests and protected forests without their consent. He argued that the matter should have been decided by the Hill Areas Committee under Article 371C of the Constitution, which deals with special provisions for the state of Manipur.
On the other hand, the Manipur government alleged that the protest was done to defend those who have encroached upon the forest land. It was also said that notices have been issued to the alleged encroachers.
In its decision to withdraw from the accords, the state cabinet took special note of allegations that most of those running the Kuki National Army and the Zumi Revolutionary Army are not Indians, but undocumented immigrants.
The government also issued show cause notices to the District Collectors and Superintendents of Police of Chorachandpur and Tangnopal. They have been asked to explain why the rallies were allowed despite prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Penal Code.
On 22 August 2008, the Center and the Manipur government signed ceasefire agreements with two Kuki militant organizations – the Kuki National Organization and the United People’s Front. The Kuki National Army and the Zumi Revolutionary Army are affiliated with the Kuki National Organization.