SoO pact extended by another year, but...: Tripartite talks still not likely
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 07 2014: Although the Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact signed between UPF, KNO, Government of Manipur and Government of India has been extended by another one year, there is no question of holding any tripartite political dialogue as both the KNO and the UPF have certain grudges against the Government.

The last term of the SoO pact expired on August 21 .

Following the Government's failure to initiate necessary procedures for extension of the SoO pact, convenor of the People's Consultative Committee for Peace, SH Seipu Sitlhou submitted a representation to Union Home Secretary, Government of India Anil Goswami on September 6 urging the Government of India to extend the SoO pact.

Subsequently, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Under Secretary sent a letter to the Government of Manipur informing that the SoO pact has been extended by another year.

The letter also suggested fixing a date for holding a tripartite political dialogue, sources informed.

A copy of the letter sent by the MHA Under Secretary was also received by the People's Consultative Committee for Peace.

Although both the Government of India and Government of Manipur have agreed to extend the SoO pact by one year, UPF and KNO are against holding the tripartite talk at Imphal.

As such, it is still unclear when the first tripartite talk involving the SoO signatories would take place.

Both the UPF and KNO have been insisting on holding the tripartite talk at Delhi and they have also made it clear that they would stay away from the tripartite talk if it is held at Imphal.

At the same, UPF and KNO have serious grievances against the Government's lack of initiative for holding political dialogue even though the SoO pact has been extended repeatedly over the years.

Meanwhile SH Seipu Sitlhou told The Sangai Express that the tripartite talk should be held at Delhi rather than at Imphal and all ranks and files of the SoO signatories should be rehabilitated through political dialogue.

The same point has been forwarded to the Government of India, he added.

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