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IMPHAL, Oct 21: Strongly condemning the brutal killing of three innocent civilians at Khongbal Sunurok Uyok Hill near Nongshum on October 19, 2026, the Meitei Alliance (MA) has demanded immediate abrogation of the SoO agreements with KNO and UPF, disarmament of all armed militant groups including their proxies and prosecution of those responsible for the killings.
The attack, reportedly carried out by KNF-N, a non-SoO militant group allegedly operating as a proxy of Kuki militant groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements, once again exposes the grave failure of the State and Central Governments to confront armed militancy decisively, the MA said in a press release.
Instead of recognising the alleged terrorist activities of SoO groups and their proxies, disarming them and enforcing the writ of the State, the Governments have sought to buy peace through appeasement while projecting an illusion of normalcy.
Innocent civilians, believing peace had returned, are now paying with their lives, it said.
The MA said that peace cannot be manufactured through political assurances while armed militants continue to kill with impunity.
Difficult hill terrain cannot be an excuse for the Government's failure to protect innocent lives. The State must demonstrate its authority through effective security operations, disarmament and impartial enforcement of the law, it said.
The Meitei Alliance has also appealed to the people of Manipur, particularly the youth, to rise above partisan divisions and electoral rivalries.
Political parties, civil society organisations, intellectuals and public influencers must redirect their attention towards ending violence, rehabilitating displaced families, securing the borders and restoring economic stability.
Manipur's collective future must not be sacrificed for partisan interests, individual loyalties or electoral gains, it said.
The Meitei Alliance asserted that pretending there is peace will not bring peace.