Biren to brief Centre on ground rules violation by SoO groups

Our Bureau

IMPHAL |July 24

The shocking incident of killing a minor girl by a cadre of the Kuki National Army (KNA) yesterday at Moreh came up for discussion in the state Assembly today with the chief minister N. Biren Singh taking a firm stand against unlawful activities by cadres of groups under Suspension of Operation agreement.

The issue was raised by Congress member K. Ranjit Singh during zero hour. Though normally no reply is given to issues raised during zero hour the chief minister responded to the Opposition member, who also pressed for a reply from the leader of the House.

Coming down heavily on illegal activities by SoO groups Biren said he would apprise the matter to the Union home ministry request them to review the agreement during his visit to Delhi.

The chief minister today left for Delhi in connection with the election of the new President of the country.

A cadre of Kuki National Army belonging to a SoO group, shot dead a girl identified as Nengneingah Khongsai (13) at Moreh early yesterday morning.

The police arrested the cadre identified as Seikhosat Haokip along with a country made 9 am pistol yesterday. The accused is said to be the boyfriend of the girl. Kuki organisations and residents of Moreh strongly condemned the incident.

“It is a shocking incident. We will take action against the accused. The case would be handed over to the newly opened fast track court for speedy trial,” the chief minister assured the House.

Expressing serious concern over alleged violation of ground rules by SoO groups the chief minister said “The Suspension of Operation agreement should be reviewed if the groups are not going to strictly follow the ground rules,” Biren said.

Biren said as it is a tripartite agreement the state government alone cannot do much. He, however, assured that action would be taken against cadres if they violate ground rules.

Ranjit urged the government to rein in the cadres of SoO groups. The member alleged that the cadres of the groups are moving freely with arms and committing crimes.

The Centre, state government and about 30 Kuki militant groups grouped under two umbrella organisations – United Peoples Front and Kuki National Organisation – signed SoO agreement in 2008. Cadres of the groups are staying in designated camps.

Earlier during question hour the chief minister said as the army and Assam Rifles have also been engaged in patrolling in national highways to prevent disruption of movement of supply trucks.

As a result their highway duties sometimes affect the counter insurgency operations.

The chief minister said that after declaration of the results of earlier recruitments the state government will raise some India Reserve Battalions for deployment along the national highways as dedicated force.