Manipur: Is SoO aiding influx of illegal Myanmar immigrants to state? asks AMBA

Amid the ongoing tension in Manipur, the All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA) has expressed concerns if the Suspension of Operation (SoO) is aiding the influx of illegal immigrants from Myanmar into the state and further fuelling unrest in the state that has been on the boil since May 3.

Speaking to media, AMBA president Puyam Tomcha today said that the Citizenship Act is violated by the SoO’s ground rules, which allow cadres to stay in designated camps simply by providing names, dates of birth, and photographs without asking about their nationality.

Adding that such an agreement is not legally valid and does not provide for scanning foreign nationals, he said that it is the duty of the government to protect the citizens from foreign nationals.

Tomcha stated that it is becoming clear that foreign elements are involved in the current conflict and violence in Manipur.

He pointed out that none of the SoO groups had ever denied their involvement in the attacks on villages in Manipur’s valley districts as claimed by the valley residents, even though according to the ground rules of SoO, its cadres cannot attack the public.

This clearly shows they are involved in the attacks on valley villages, he said adding that if the SoO cadres violated the ground rules, the pact can be abrogated and the government would be required to take action with the assistance of the Assam Rifles and other security forces.

Yesterday, Co-ordinating Committee on Manipur’s Integrity (COCOMI), an umbrella body of several civil society bodies of Manipur, had written to Home Minister Amit Shah seeking his immediate intervention and action against SoO pact violators. They sought the abrogation SoO as it has already been violated.

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