The Manipur Congress has accused the state government of making an irregular payment of Rs 6.27 crore to a Kuki Zo militant group, despite withdrawing from a peace agreement.BY PC Bureau
Authorities in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district imposed a curfew on Saturday in two neighboring villages – Konsakhul and Leilon Vaiphei – following renewed unrest. This action was taken due to “an apprehension of breach of peace,” according to a district order.
The order prohibits the movement of people in and around these villages until further notice.
Tension has been simmering between the two villages for several days after an alleged assault on a Naga woman by Kuki youths from one of the villages.
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities since May 2023, resulting in over 250 deaths and displacing thousands.
Congress Accuses Manipur BJP Govt of Irregular Payments to Militant Group
The Manipur Congress on Saturday accused the state’s BJP government of making an irregular payment of Rs 6.27 crore to the Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic) (HPC-D), a Kuki Zo militant outfit, in July 2024. This payment was made despite the state government’s withdrawal from the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the group in February 2023.
The SoO agreement, which was previously in place, allowed HPC-D members free movement within the state without firearms, with the understanding that security forces would not initiate operations against them unless they violated the agreement’s terms.
“The state government gave Rs 6.27 crore in July 2024 to Hmar Peoples Convention (Democratic) by a cheque, though the state government earlier informed that it has withdrawn from the SoO,” stated Manipur Congress president Keisham Meghachandra at a press conference.
“Earlier, a resolution was adopted by the state cabinet to withdraw from the Suspension of Operations. Again, on February 29, 2024, the Manipur assembly resolved to urge the Centre to abrogate the SoO with all Kuki Zo militants. Despite withdrawing from the SoO, the funds released were not of the central government but of the state government,” Meghachandra added.
Questioning the rationale behind this payment while the state continues to experience widespread violence, Meghachandra emphasized the Congress’s commitment to peace and normalcy in Manipur.
“The Congress raised complaints of Rs 27.38 crore being paid to SoO signatory groups in 2022 by the BJP government in violation of guidelines. This is being investigated by the CAG,” Meghachandra concluded.
