Manipur Cabinet led by Chief Minister N BirenSingh on Friday decided to withdraw from tripartite talks with two militant groups, namely the Kuki National Army (KNA) and the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA).

According to a press brief issued on Friday evening, the cabinet reviewed the law and order situation in various districts in view of the rallies held at Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal districts and the confrontation with police at Kangpokpi town on Friday morning.

Several people, including some policemen, were injured after a protest rally against some parts of the state being declared as protected areas turned violent today. Security forces had to use force to combat the mob in the Kangpokpi district. A video showed some protesters throwing stones at the security forces.

“The cabinet noted that the rallies were organised for a cause which is unconstitutional and the rallies, therefore, were illegal,” the government statement said.

“After detailed deliberation, the cabinet decided to withdraw the state government from tripartite talks/SoO agreements with 2 hill-based insurgent groups, namely the Kuki National Army (KNA) and the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) whose leaders hail from outside the state,” the release by the state government said.

The cabinet further reaffirmed that the state government will not compromise on steps taken to protect the state’s forest resources and for eradicating poppy cultivation, the statement added.

Show cause notices have been issued to the DC and SPs of Churachandpur and Tengnoupal for allowing the rally in violation of prohibitory orders under CrPC 144, it further stated. Strong action will be taken on officers responsible for lapses in security, it added.

The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF), two umbrella groups of Kuki militants, had signed a tripartite SoO agreement with the governments of India and Manipur on August 22, 2008. Since then, the government has been extending the agreement after it expired. The KNA and ZRA are signatories of KNO.

The Cabinet's decision has been welcomed by various sections of the society who have been demanding strict action against illegal activities and insurgent groups operating in the state. The move is expected to boost the morale of the state's law enforcement agencies in their efforts to maintain peace and order in the state.

Overall, the Cabinet's decision to withdraw from tripartite talks with KNA and ZRA, and to take strong action against illegal rallies and insurgent groups, is expected to help maintain peace and stability in Manipur, and protect the state's interests.

Image source: Twitter