The newly formed Native Peoples' Committee Manipur (NPCM), a joint civil body comprising Meitei and Naga communities, held its first convention on Tuesday and demanded the abrogation of the suspension of operation (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups. The convention also called for the replacement of Assam Rifles with the Border Security Force (BSF) in the state and the updating of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the upcoming census operations.
The convention took place at Makhan village, located in the foothills of the sacred Kaburou hills in Kangpokpi district. NPCM convenor Ashang Kasar questioned whether the joint monitoring group under the SoO agreement was functioning as intended. "The whole of Manipur has become camps for the SoO groups. Are they conducting a census of these groups? Are they aware of new recruits?" he asked.
Expanding Conflict
The ongoing three-year-old ethnic conflict, initially confined to the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities, has now expanded to involve the Naga community, deepening the state's social and security complexities. The NPCM's formation and its demands reflect the evolving dynamics of the conflict, with the Naga community joining the Meitei in seeking peace and security reforms.
Key Demands
- Abrogation of SoO agreement: The NPCM argues that the SoO agreement has allowed Kuki militant groups to operate freely, turning Manipur into their camps.
- Replacement of Assam Rifles with BSF: The committee demands a change in the security force deployed in the state, citing the need for more effective border management.
- Updating of NRC: The NPCM insists on updating the NRC before the census to ensure accurate demographic data and address concerns about illegal immigration.
The convention marks a significant step in the civil society movement in Manipur, as the NPCM seeks to address the root causes of the conflict and bring about lasting peace in the region.
